BRRR: There are benefits to the suggestion you were given to begin with a turnkey property.

Unfortunately, even though my DTI and credit score was good, the underwriting was not so good because I had gone through a debt consolidation program not too long ago which, as some may know, requires you to stop payment on debt for a period of time.

Let it sit on their credit and prevent them from cheating another landlord.

Declaring homestead with the county for tax benefit does nothing in regard to establishing the property as homestead per Texas homestead laws. 

Some of them can pre qualify you without credit pull and they do a desk top appraisal. 

If you could decorate your STR with $350 worth of paintings, you would need to justify spending $3,500 on the same project if it does not have any economic benefit for your business. 

I personally invest in Brantford which has done well for me in the past.The other thing to consider when investing in the US is that you may have a harder time getting any mortgages as you have no credit but I'm sure there are ways around this.

I'm currently on the lookout for local banks or credit unions that specialize in offering portfolio or bundle loans for investment properties.

Consider potential solutions like adding a half bath but weigh the costs against benefits.

I'm open to learning from all perspectives and excited to engage in a fruitful discussion that will benefit us all in our real estate endeavors.Looking forward to hearing from you all!