I am curious about any potential barriers to look out for- timing, access/cost supplies, labor force?

When I called yesterday they said I had only 3 days to review so, I'm now forced to use the system. 

If you can qualify using your income I would avoid DSCR but again its not the end all they have value.DSCR single family requires 15% down, 2-4 Units require 20% down, they offer 5/6 ARMS, 30 & 40 Year fixed and I/O Interest only options which can help cash flow first few years.

This does not mean you can leave the unit vacant for 6 months (not that I'm accusing you of wanting that) but it also does not mean you can be forced to accept a less desirable tenant nor can you be forced to lower your rent.

However, their 38 page Prop Mgmt Agreement for OneRate is daunting--it lists many exclusions to their obligations such as any damage caused by force to a surface (whether from tenants, animals, roots, wind or other force of nature, etc).

Not a lot of traffic, most have an agent, and even if I force everyone to sign in, they often give school emails or bogus numbers. 2.

You would then be forced to use the key.

I would then plan to use this forced equity (since I plan to buy a fixer upper) to invest in another home.I have been constantly reading to househack right into the MFH, but this may take some time for me to acquire the money and purchasing power.

If you're earning, they might show they care a little, but they're more focused on the next batch of agents to recruit.Mom & pop experience: the broker barely answered my calls but when she did, I had already found the answer myself OR she was able to share something I couldn't find on my own - experience.This helped me become very resourceful as it forced me to figure things out in case she couldn't get back to me in a timely manner.Big box experience: I went to KW and found the best 'community' feel/vibe you could ask for in the business.

There are also interest only, or ARM options that help keep payments low/cashflow higher during a variable market.