In addition to conventional financial products, that means that real estate, private note transactions, stock of privately held entities, precious metals, cryptocurrencies and a whole lot of other alternatives are available.A specialty IRA referred to as self-directed is required for alternative asset investing.  

Some HMLs have long term rental loan products - slightly higher interest rates but more landlord friendly.

And sometimes Googling the info you're looking for is much more productive. 

I live here and own/work with this product.

How do you know if that property is a good buy in a up and coming area or a declining area or an area that is performing so so or an area that is doing well but not performing as well as in other areas?

One argument is that you are not selling a product or service. 

@Travis EvensonThere are 30 year fixed commercial products available that are based simply on the subject property's cash flow and your FICO. 

You wouldn't want to buy into an area that is declining rapidly where the tenant quality is decreasing along with the area.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Current Employment Statistics (CES)The Current Employment Statistics (CES) program produces detailed industry estimates of employment, hours, and earnings of workers on payrolls every month.

Put your 20% down, use a variable rate mortgage product, do the appropriate renovations, refinance when done, pay your 3 months interest and cash out what you can.

Curious if anyone knows of a software/hardware product to create a 3d virtual walkthru similar to what is seen in this video (7:27 mark)?