We are on the edge of mortgage rates getting ready to decline and home values in many states are growing.

Are their any creative ways to help with the downpayment or would a partner be the only route? 

Now let's be real, yes housing values are up overall in the city, but they do vary by Neighborhood.

My wife and I are interested in buying our next rental property, particularly a SFH and we plan to rent by the room, and possibly go through Padsplit and rent by the room.I own a duplex from before our marriage which is rented out on both sides and she owns a townhouse from before we got married that were currently living in.

I love the properties and the are all profitable.

You are missing my point on taxes.Scenario 1:  Your partner buys the house at the same time you put your cash in.  

That will be a tight box for most investors.

If there are any certain connections you are looking for let me know and I can definitely plug you in!

If we rent it we are targeting $1700-1800 / side.

I dont get it.And are you saying that there are loan officers that look for people who seek innovative strategies that may differ from the tried and true, and when they find them, are more likely to offer this scammy rate?