The appraised value is exactly what I estimated, as well as the market rent and expenses.

They tend to be lower maintenance, and the steady cash flow can be a great way to start building your portfolio.That said, vacation properties can be lucrative too, especially in high-demand beach areas.

We also used PenFed for a HELOC, and that went well.  

I was curious if I am being too stringent on my criteria...

Are there any other platforms we could be looking at?

With the current housing market being so competitive, how do you see private money lending playing a role in securing properties quickly?

Or the 3% down conventional has to be for the first time ever property?

In addition to the conference I've outgrown, I've attended the big OREIA several times as well as the biggerpockets -original- conference a long time ago. 

If the property is free and clear it may be harder to cash out with little to no seasoning.  

They aren't throwing it within my fenced area but my property line extends to outside the fence as well.