Now, every 1% origination moves the needle by 20-35 bps, depending on the lender.Usually, the only folks paying extra points in this market are deals where cash flow is an issue and they need to buy down the rate for more LTV.I've brokered 300 DSCR loans, and the rates you mentioned are no way real unless you're talking very reduced leverage (50% or so LTV).

I would recommend doing a "reduced" (~60%-70%) leverage refinance which would help drive your rate down as much as possible and hopefully still maintain the cash flow that you would like to have, especially since they are free and clear.If you were to go the portfolio route, I would confirm with the lender you use what their 'occupancy requirement' is.

Diversify Your PortfolioInvesting in multiple markets reduces your risk.

During this time, you'll only be paying the interest, which means your payments won’t reduce the loan principal.

Competition is reduced as most retail (non-investor) buyers tend to hold off until spring, given the challenges of moving during the winter.

Here are a few below:Generally, buying through your personal name can reduce the interest rate - commercial rates on LLC mortgages are usually higher but you can research thisMost LLCs on incorporation don’t have any credit so it may be difficult to find. a lenderIf you own the property in your personal name you are exposing yourself to more risk and will want to transfer the property into LLC as soon as you canIf you own property in your personal name and transfer to LLC the lender may not allow or can call the entire loanLLC or personal ownership you need insurance.If you search the forums for this topic using the magnifying glass feature in top right corner of your screen on BiggerPockets you will find a lot of discussion on "Quit Claim" "Buying through LLC", "LLC or not" etc....

Reference checks help you verify these attributes, thus reducing the risk of late payments, property damage, and eviction issues.

It will add to your costs, but can save you time and reduce stress.

It is an interesting time obviously with an election and rates coming down and potentially a good amount of inventory being built but as the fall and winter come fewer people who put existing homes on the market which reduces competition for those first-time home buyers.

I’d suggest reaching out to Horry County directly to ask if they have any abatement programs to potentially reduce your property tax.