@Cody Miller,Or you can rent out your current place and find a new primary residence to get better financing options. 

Surely there are other options? 

Supply paint, pizza and beer and you should save about 4 grand but results may vary.Another option is just to paint the areas that look the worst and attempt to match existing paint colors--this is usually what I do if anything at all.

Here are some pros and cons of each approach to help you decide:Paying Cash for One Home and Refinancing LaterPros:No Mortgage Payments: You won't have monthly mortgage payments initially, which can reduce financial stress.Equity: You own the home outright, giving you full equity which can be used for refinancing.Lower Costs: No interest payments and possibly lower closing costs compared to having a mortgage.Better Negotiation Power: Cash buyers often have more negotiating power and can close deals faster.Cons:Opportunity Cost: Your cash is tied up in one property, potentially limiting your ability to invest in other opportunities.Refinancing Risks: Future interest rates may be higher, making refinancing more expensive.Market Fluctuations: Property values might decrease, affecting the amount you can refinance.Buying Four Homes with 20% Down on EachPros:Diversification: Owning multiple properties diversifies your investment, reducing risk.Rental Income: Potential rental income from multiple properties can generate cash flow.Appreciation: You benefit from the appreciation of multiple properties.Leverage: Using mortgages allows you to leverage your investments, potentially increasing your return on investment.Cons:Higher Debt: You'll have multiple mortgage payments, increasing your debt and financial obligations.Management: Managing multiple properties can be more complex and time-consuming.Market Risks: Market downturns can affect all properties, amplifying risks.Cash Flow: If rental income is not enough to cover mortgage payments, you could face cash flow issues.Considerations:Financial Stability: Assess your current financial stability and ability to handle mortgage payments and potential vacancies.Market Conditions: Consider current and projected real estate market conditions and interest rates.Investment Goals: Align your decision with your long-term investment goals and risk tolerance.Professional Advice: Consult with a financial advisor or real estate professional to get personalized advice based on your specific situation.If you prioritize lower risk and less debt, paying cash for one home might be the better option.

I guess what I'm getting at is it seems like our options are either bite the bullet in our next primary residence where we are currently located, understanding the future opportunity to rent for cash flow looks pretty bleak, or look in other states where we would have more buying power and try to find a duplex or sfh that will cash flow off the bat. 

What’s great about the DSCR is if you have good credit and a lower LTV the rates are better than most conventional rates right now.Cash out is set at 75% LTV there are some 80% options but the rates in most cases are too high to debt ratio at the required DSCR ratio usually 1.00% or equal to PITI/ITI.

You'll have the option to refinance later when rates decrease, if necessary.

Some of these other options you listed are decisions based on how you want to live and how you feel about having strangers in your primary house and aren't something we can tell you to do. 

Would you consider MTR and STR as back up options?

Would you suggest hiring a company like Healthtrust to do the feasibility research for us or is there a less expensive option?