Ideally they will have a pool of investors looking for a turn-key property. 

(many contractors are going to bite off more than they can chew and communication will be key). 

A prudent investor doesn't seek quick riches through shortcuts.

Location is key.

Financing:Learning about how financing works in real estate is key.

I don't see insurance companies pulling out of the STR market across the board. 

I know it may be against my best interest but I cant bring myself to give her cash for keys.

Here is some key information:Property recently hit the market and has 2 cash offers alreadyThe seller provided a pre-inspection report, which I shared with 2 different lenders, both think it may fail conventional financing due to potential structural and electrical issues (realtor thinks it could pass conventional)Seller has 100% equity but is behind on other payments (not sure of the urgency money is needed)This is my first attempt at an “investment” property so I’m new to thisI see 3 optionsMove forward with an offer using conventional loan pre-qualification-Not as attractive of an offer to the seller-Possibility that appraiser calls out structural/electrical issues that need to be fixed before closing, effectively causing financing to fail- Best terms and fewest loan fees for meUse a rehab style loan such as ChoiceRenovation-Even less attractive than a conventional offer to seller, but less risk of failed financing if appraiser calls out issues-Slightly worse fees and interest rates compared to conventional-Lenders tell me possibly up to 60-90 days closing in some cases, with red-tape for contractor requirements and draw schedules (sounds like the most hoops to jump through during rehab)Use a hard money lender-Most attractive loan option I can give to seller so I can compete-Much higher fees and interest rate for me-need to refinance into a conventional at the end of rehab (not familiar with seasoning periods but I think this is a factor as well)Which option would you do?

Consider cash-for-keys.

Quote from @Stuart Udis: Jay noted some good upgrades.Bathrooms: I spend more on tile across the board but even more so on for sale housing.