It's a local credit union who does portfolio loans, so they have more flexibility and less strict standards. 

That serves two purposes:- Let's guests know you're involved and care- Gives you flexibility when you have to respond to the inevitable bad review. 

I think flexibility and trust have been the biggest thing for me.

Local lenders tend to be more flexible and relationship based.

Currently have full time job allowing flexibility and ability to invest new capital every 6 months

However, not every lender will require this and we work with some lenders who are flexible.

I politely told them that if they are trying to offer flexibility and ease of use, this seem counter to their entire existence. 

This also gives you the flexibility to go there for your vacations as well.It will be more work and you definitely want to find a local cleaner to help with the change over of renters.Good luck!

This is exactly how I started my portfolio, I'm a huge believer in using a HELOC as leverage- it's liquid, cheap and flexible.

Tell planning to get creative and more flexible with use variance (they cannot live without 3 6-inch books of rules which MUST be follwed to the letter).