Short-term capital gains (stocks held for less than a year) are typically taxed at higher rates than long-term capital gains.

Demand is consistent and reliable, especially near big and good schools in nice cities.

The interest rate and cost is higher than conventional loans but the requirements are less and the closing process is faster. 

Now is one of the best times to get into the market, once the Fed starts lowering rates that's going to bring more demand into the marketplace causing prices to increase at a faster pace again so if you get in now you capture that growth and get the opportunity to refi when rates are more favorable in a year or two.

The process was straightforward, rates and terms were flexible, and I completed my home renovations without any issues

It's no surprise there is a close to 90% annual fail rate in the industry.

Landlord might not want to remove them, and would be keen on keeping them, but at a new rate/terms. 

@Samuel Metcalf- sounds like you have a FHA loan as  PMI is permanent in most FHA loans ....I would ask  the bank that holds the loan for  refinance  options and then shop around to see if there are  any refinance options that  make sense ...if not - live with the loan you have  but be  ready to refinance  when rates drop 

Consider this loss tuition in the school of real estate and move on.

I buy my leads from a friend offshore with a 80-90% contact rate.