I ended up doing it myself but if/when I want to build it out further I will lean on one of those contractors.

OOrlando is really well build to operate STR in due to the theme parks and the shear number of visitors we have each year, bu there are nuances to operating a successful one and the learning curve can be steep, but rewards can also be lucrative if you are a good operator. 

Therefore trying to get a bit creative with the financing.Positive cash flow will almost be impossible (as I'll have to probably take one bed away, and then build a bath and a kitchen) in what I've been finding, so Im trying to offset the mortgage as much as possible.Long term, ideally I get to keep it and the 2nd unit adds to the cash flow if I ever dont need it anymore. 

Will depend on several factors like the type of property, type of tenants, your risk tolerance, other assets you own, your estate planning, laws where the property is located, etc.

My biggest deal is a 6plex and I'm now looking to scale into 8-12 unit buildings. 

I am currently in the mix on picking up 2 apartment buildings and a duplex in Minot ND. as well as starting to buy fixer uppers and remodeling them. i would love to connect with Minot investors and talk about property managers and who is preferred in the area. 

We have a pretty significant portfolio and are building more this year. 

I build outside of city limits in TX.

It’s a great plan and if my spouse wasn’t opposed I would buy a new 2-4 unit building about every 14 months and live in one unit and take advantage of the low down payment loans.

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).