To me that extra step is worth not having a balloon payment and slightly higher rate.Now with joint ventures, properties that are 5+ units, or it is short term financing I look at hard money, private loans, commercial financing, etc.

I would want to see the permits too so I guess that's their bad for trusting people.

I could always pick up shifts for extra money if needed, and I would not need to worry about benefits since I would be benefited working that amount of hours at a hospital. 

If there are any locals that need extra help with their RE in exchange for letting me pick their brain I'd be very willing to come help you out! 

It may sound nice to pay a 5% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no add-on fees.

I will likely have to sell the property since the rent can't support an extra $291/month in taxes. 

He said he wouldn't permit it.

I wouldn't put forth the extra effort because an increase of $50 on a $2095 rent wouldn't be a hardship whereas a $500 increase on a $2095 rent might be.At the end of the day, I really do think its market dependent. 

In which case, your extra money might be better deployed into getting more deals.Actually, that would be my suggestion - pay the highest interest rate (for the ones above 5%) till you bring it to the point the principal/interest ratio is substantial (like 80%/20%) and then stop - the note itself will act as asset protection.

Would you also advocate the tenant pay for repairs or paying extra rent ?