The seller is paying 20k in mortgage interest, given the current interest rates I would need to 45kish in mortgage interest for the said STR.

There are plenty of lenders that don't require experience to lend, but leverage/rate might be altered a bit.

I keep wondering about insurance, vacancy rates, if tenant selection is a bigger/ different factor, terms of the tenancy and differences in opex and capex?

It can be challenging for 1-4 units depending on the property characteristics, your loss history/other rating factors, and location.

Do school ratings matter for SFH?

Hey Anne, I'd suggest you do some research on the MTR rental rates and vacancy rates in your target area and understand the costs involved in renovations, financing and property management.

Many homeowners locked in mortgage rates at historically low levels, between 2.5% and 3%, providing a golden opportunity for those refinancing or purchasing homes at that time.

Since there is a lack of regulation, many lenders may change the final settlement statement once all is said and done, which can result in a higher rate, more fees, and/or a reduced LTV.

I think in 2020 when rates dropped the number of americans who qualified was at an all time high and now its near all time low as  to qualifying yearly income for a median-priced house in 2020 was $49,680.

I’ve contacted banks in regards to Ioans and as you know rates are a bit higher than in US and you have to go through much more hoops to get one.