Diversifying income streams and focusing on appreciation alongside cash flow creates a more balanced and sustainable strategy.

I am now under the suspicion that their friend, the one who is still living at the property, is the one who created separate accounts for all three of them and did the signing for each individual who is under this lease agreement. 

This falls under that category, by not keeping the heat on, you are ignoring basic maintenance and creating a potential risk.

Building these partnerships has not only helped fill our homes but also created long-term stability in our business model. 

I would get an attorney or title company involved to create your loan documents to ensure they comply with the law and cover all the aspects you need.Another method that is likely your best bet to take on investors is to create a joint venture (JV).

Once you're ready, create a goal (e.g., "I will buy at least one single-family home, duplex, triplex, or fourplex before the end of 2019") and then do it.

I wanted to create an STR experience and bring my bold ideas to life.

For an investor that is looking to create wealth and keep doing what they are doing this is a great strategy.  

It all depends on the work you/your clients want to do to create value and the overall game plan.

If I'm flipping, my discount needs to be deep to create a spread.