The slicing and dicing creates these situations.

I project manage now, which isn't necessarily easier or better, it's just more efficient with my time as I have other businesses that generate revenue, including new construction/custom remodels and a thriving real estate agency business.Contractors have always been the biggest challenge for me in the business. 

I am also a full time contractor working with my customer base in NYC and investors in NYC.

I would suggest you expand your network, talk to wholesalers, hard money lenders, FIND INVESTORS and create joint ventures.

Or create an LLC and use it to apply for the loan.

However, creating enough equity to recapitalize your investment is a viable strategy in Portland.

The anonymous internet has created lots of trolls.

I always try and get a 3br/2bth or create one if I can - not so much for higher rents which is a bonus but the real paly IMHO is resale

Of course some of us (looking at you Jay...ok, me too ;) aren't just in this to create retirement income, this is a career, so there's more of a cyclic, upward momentum where leverage and cash purchases each play a part.

let it stay as a WRONGLY APPLIED "primary home owner policy" for now with insurance company with the risk that the 'proofs' that the ins company will demand may not be successfully met.if insurance finds out its not a primary and then cancel policy - then they tell lender and lender creates issuesGet the current wrong policy changed to "seasonal home policy now" and DO NOT change it later and while renting out the place - ensure that renters have the renters insurance policy.So far inclined towards #3