If you're unsure if you'll be able to get a refinance even after you have a tenant placed property or two, go talk to the bank now and lay out your plan with them and see what they say.

I lay out the qualifications during the initial phone call.

i would give her the benefit of the doubt, but clearly lay out your future expectations to her. if she cannot meet them, then i would find another agent. in this business, you have to rustle and you have to have an agent that fully understands that

I'm thinking maybe if I put together a proposal that breaks down how much they'll make in interest over the 2-5 yrs before the balloon and lay out plain and simple how it's a "win" for them, maybe they'll go for it.

I know that layout doesn't appeal to everyone, but it would certainly appeal to a family with older kids where the parents really want their own private space.  

Putting cheap debt on a property and paying it off super fast is a bit counter intuitive.  

 :) As you so intuitively stated, "Not my farm."

After they are through, lay out your case point by point to the judge and answer any questions he has for you.

The original problem was, even with scope, it doesn't lay out enough information.

If it's non-owner, then hard money and after 6 months, a standard conventional loan would work if you have the equity (which you should).Get pre-approved by a mortgage broker and lay out your situation so they can help you with the correct process.Hope that helpsStephanie