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

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

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

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

@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 

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

Beyond rate, is there any cost difference between the two? 

So right now if someone wants to book 26/27 Apr we can upcharge 100% of the Thursday rate so essentially they pay for the 3rd night without realizing it, and it leaves that day open to be booked.