Some of the materials we choose and asked him to pick up (such as flooring) he replaced with low quality materials, I assume to keep more of our money for himself. 

@Rafael Ramos All your goals contradict each other:(1) Cashflow: buy Class C & D properties2) Appreciation: buy Class A & B properties3) Low Crime: buy Class A & B properties4) Why would you want your investments to lose money to lower your taxes?

We look for good school systems, low crime and desirable neighborhoods.

Memphis has a relatively low cost of living, and that’s reflected in the property prices.

I've read many of the BiggerPockets books like - House Hacking- Flipping- Estimating Rehabs- Multifamily Millionaire Book I and II- How to Invest in Real Estate with Low or No Money Down- Investing from a Distanceand even some outside of themand have been wanting to do something in Real Estate for awhile.

Also, what are some other low cost amenities that I can add to my STR that will yield a higher ROI?

Can you tell us what your fees are for this loan to achieve such a low rate? 

They were fine with my score (about 740), but have issue with the percentage of personal credit I am utilizing, so that discussion also petered out.Apparently, I have a lending profile right now, that is not attractive to mainstream lending programs.Any advice?

One of our MTRs is in an area with extremely low supply that we've had a waiting list for it one summer.

Hey @Brett RiemensniderThere are a TON of banks/credit unions that will offer as low as Prime on a heloc on your primary residence.