With tax season now being here, I am thinking about ditching the excel spreadsheets and using a program like Quickbooks moving forward.  

@Justin R. the 75% LTV you were told is for rate & term and not cash out, very different programs 

Though when it comes to percentages there can be many more that should be taking advantage of the great programs that are out there and low rates especially for rentals.

A few months later, an out-of-state bank wanted in on the market and offered a special "lifestyle loan" program to those with a solid income who could afford the monthly payments (it ignored debt-to-income ratios).

Appears the general sentiment is that prices are higher than they should be.

I saw your other post and it appears you're asking pros on this forum specifics as it relates to your return for DIY preparation purposes. 

I have heard a lot of posts about how to buy real estate with no money down, low down, first time buyer program, etc.

Currently they haven't rolled the program out here but when they do, I'll be applying. 

He appears to be ready to stay there while you wait for the eviction to be completed. 

The difference between those programs is that MI can be dropped on the Freddie without refinancing.