The bank statement loan will give you rates about .5% better than DSCR but you must be self employed to do that loan.

Between that and the unknown amount of time the investment is ill-liquid, I'm not sure if it wouldn't have been better to just pay the tax and take the money. 

Report them to the Better Business Bureau and Police!

Fast forward to now, I’ve got a much better paying job, more funds, and prices seem to be coming back to a point that I’d feel comfortable with. 

The only multis we do this for are MTRs that are furnished as the folks are there for transitional times/work, not for a LTR as it would be better to just lower the rent and not have the headache. 

Improved the asset with some cosmetics, such as better signs for address numbers, locking mailboxes, minor landscape, and trash clean up.

But, I'd go with any of the major banks since their platforms are generally better. 

Seems that House Hacking seems to be one of the better ways to start out, I appreciate everyones feedback....Great Community!!

maybe Ill find a better property that can appreciate better - a 4 or 5 bedroom in Fort Lauderdale area?

We are completely okay with that as long as you tell us up front, just don’t expect to hear about all the great opportunities ahead of our exclusive buyers.I recommend look for agents that understand your investment strategy and even better yet that they do, or have invested.