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?

If you are setting aside funds for capex, taxes, insurance, or other expenses that don't occur monthly, transfer those funds to Savings each month and hold them there until it's time to spend them.

Do school ratings matter for SFH?

In some markets you won’t get the higher booking rates and occupancy numbers without a pool (Florida and Arizona come to mind). 

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

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’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.