Your roommates won't want to live through a reno.Risk adjust your offers.Look into non-FHA, low-down payment mortgage products.

Brian, you have written many highly valuable contributions on this blog, but I think based on the wide ranging nature of this topic, and the confusion due to so many options, this could be your best...and most valuable contribution.For all those interested in this topic, I suggest you copy this post, and save it for future reference.

Would the natural progression still be a mailers and skip trace route?

Interest is passive in nature, and does not have tax implications for an IRA.Have the IRA issue a note to the borrower, secured by the property being flipped. 

Three years ago I had a STR burn to the ground in a natural disaster.  

Therefore, your best interest is always at odds with the interests of the PM, no matter how "honest" they are - it's the nature of the beast.

Then I joined a broker where I have complete time and productivity flexibility.

https://alertlabs.com/products...I recently purchased this smart meter which is connected via cell signal and gives real time down to the minute usage.

They are all natural flow and vented through the chimney.

Depending on your windows you will get a lot of natural light into this open space floor plan.