Contract for deed is often used to allow the buyer to move in while they are preparing to qualify for a conventional loan (to pay off the contract for deed terms); The seller is provided with immediate income; buyers, this can be a way to move into a property they intend to own while avoiding renting from the owner; owner can often command a higher monthly payment under these terms than they could in a rental arrangement; contract for deed may be seen as a last resort for a seller who really wants to cash out their equity quickly. may be local legal restrictions on these arrangements, including restrictions on "repossessing" the property; seller should definitely consult an attorney.

Turnkey might be harder if you're just looking for a straight conventional loan, and flips may be easier if you're willing to use HML. 

After doing the math and starting this year, my yearly cash flow will decrease from $5,940/year to $1,502/year for every year because that total difference goes to pay off new mortgage, assuming 100% vacancy & the same rent every year.Process of doing a cash refi: It is the same as getting a conventional mortgage.

Fha loans ask for 3.5% down while you can get conventional loans starting at 5% down as long as its your primary residence.

When you buy owner occupant, as you probably already know, you'll have to occupy the property for at least one year, after that you can purchase another property with a conventional loan, 5% down, which could be a condo, townhome or single-family home that after you move out will also give you positive cash flow. 

After doing the math and starting this year, my yearly cash flow will decrease from $5,940/year to $1,502/year for every year because that total difference goes to pay off new mortgage, assuming 100% vacancy & the same rent every year.Process of doing a cash refi: It is the same as getting a conventional mortgage.

And with interest rates at rock bottom, it's a pretty good time to take on a conventional mortgage (so long as your employment is secure in the midst of this COVID crisis).

I've heard the same about conventional banks as well. 

I recall it was about $0.07 per mile over a 12 year period or something like that; it was approx. the same for a conventional vehicle based on something like $3 or $4 a gallon and equivalent mileage.

Am I simply relegated to using conventional loans, recouping my initial investment 4 to 5 years down the road, buying another one, and continuing to operate on that sort of a cycle?