My list was rankings by dollar amount and number closed Nationwide for past four quarters for NON QM lenders that do DSCR.

You need to make sure that your property is easily financeable if you decide to sell it in the future and any future buyer can call out non-permitted items and actually report you to the building department or, at a minimum, ask for seller concessions.

You won't be forced to de-convert unless you have violations...eventually the city will start fining you.Very critical terms are non-conforming (no violations - grandfathered in) vs. illegal (violations)...

The houses they buy are in non-flood zone.

Commercial zoning would be okay as long as the property is considered LEGAL but non conforming. 

Equity paydown and modest appreciation would result in a small profit; not enough to justify a non passive investment but i will own a killer cabin.  

I went into two of my listings (one with a flexible cancellation policy and one with non-refundable) and it is pretty clear what the terms are BEFORE booking.  

Financing provided through this program is only available for properties located in Michigan or Florida.Available Product Type: SOFR 7/6 ARM, SOFR 10/6 ARMLoan Amount: $766,550 MaximumLTV: Purchase and No Cash Out Refinance - Maximum 99%Prepayment Penalty: NoneLoan Assumption: NoneEligible Properties: 1-unit dwellings, attached and detached condominiums, PUDsEscrow: An escrow account must be established for property taxes, and flood insurance, if requiredUnderwritingNo Private Mortgage InsuranceOccupancy – Primary residencesMinimum Credit Score - 700DTI – Max 43% (UW/Mgmt exceptions up to 50% with minimum 3 documented compensating factors)Student Loans – If in deferment, no qualifying payment requiredDown payment of 1% must be borrower’s own funds, while closing costs and prepaids may be gift fundsAttached condominiums require a 10% down paymentEligible Borrowers – Protect and serve heroes are defined as employees of public or private education institutions, employees of medical and healthcare organizations, all first responders, and active or former military personnel.Servicing: Retained

At that point, the small down payment is a non-issue. 

It potentially can be possible if you provide your capital to a fund who operates as a private lender.You would have to be a non-managing member in an LLC or an LP in a Partnership.Therefore, you would have no say in items such as who to lend the money to, at what rates, etc.Best of luck