Title companies need to insist everyone use a trusted notary, not just any random remote notary, and take additional steps for any remote closings such as holding funds in escrow after any remote closing until they can 100% verify that they’re not going to be wired to a scammer overseas. 

You'll pull more money out, but have a higher mortgage payment and less cash flow, so it's all about what you want out of the deal.

You may have a tough time getting a pm you can trust and it will be difficult to make your first couple purchases unless you know the area well.

I always run my STRs with LTR rents also, as my back up plan if cities change permits or cause me to switch to LTR Thank you for your response,There are some areas that still have new homes for low $300s I figure with a good down payment I can get a bit of cash flow, I know I won’t get rich overnight but when rates go down I can refinance and hopefully in the future I will be in the position to buy some distressed properties and repair them, maximizing future income. 

The arrangement seemed very complicated but the net effect was something with a payment structure that looks like a typical mortgage.  

Although not ideal for investors, Im torn because with the money saved on the down payment and closing costs you could buy down interest, put a down payment on another home in a cheaper place etc.

Saving $10k or $20k off a purchase price is maybe $120/mo difference in payment.

We plan to use short term rentals to cover the mortgage/monthly payments but with the skyrocketing property taxes in that area, I'm concerned we may not be able to net enough. 

I have a VA loan option from when I was in the military I have not used and have the down payment I’d need for our next residence so I don’t necessarily need to sell in order to buy my next house.

Payment insurance, underwriting, and third-party fees at execution.