DSCR loans are a great option for anyone that doesn't fit the conventional "box" - DTI isn't a factor, no employment info needed, no W2s, paystubs, tax returns, 1099s, etc. needed, you can close in an LLC if you want to and many lenders don't report to personal credit, so those loans won't affect your credit score/DTI for any conventional financing you might pursue in the future.

However from my observations the squatter occupied properties tend to be in lower barrier markets and I wouldn't personally want to spend my time and effort trying to create value in such neighborhoods.

@Yadira ValeraIf you transfer property but mortgage stays in your name it still shows on creditIf loan is in the LLC, you may have to personally guarantee it so you would be required to list it as a debt on any new applicationsJust a fyi

I'd personally wouldn't refi it.

Each person further down the line hoping they can scam their way in to get paid, and actually having zero idea who the actual contract holder is or who the seller is. 

These professionals can provide expert guidance, conduct a thorough assessment of your property's valuation, and represent you in negotiations or appeals with the assessor's office or assessment appeals board.Attend Assessment Hearings: If your jurisdiction offers assessment appeal hearings, attend these hearings to present your case in person.

I am a handy person who would be able to perform much of the home renovation myself.

House hacking will also give you some personal "property management" experience.

You will also gain valuable experience that you can leverage for other opportunities.Speaking from personal experience, I have several STR rentals in California (I co-own STRental Pros in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and Riverside County).

I actually had to get enough units where I could offer tenants multiple housing options when I purchased properties rented at way under market rates and then (an embarassing number of times) personally watch tenants that would "suffer" from a rent increase turn down smaller (but nicer places) or  nicer places in a less prestigious zip code (sometimes only minutes away) before I realized that I was hampering my ability to earn a living in order to subsidize the lifestyle choices made by a some random stranger that happened to live in a property I bought.