These will have higher interest rates than you will see in government backed mortgages, as well as larger down payments required...however, there are fewer hoops to jump through.  

FHA is the most lenient program when it comes to DTI and credit.

While I can understand some of the desire for rent control there are other more practical and productive ways to assist families in need of housing (IE fix the broken section 8 programs around the country)  I would prefer however that all of you out of state investors get out of "our town" so that the prices can go back to normal for us locals, which should in turn help keep rents down a bit locally .....

Contact your local government zoning office and they can help you understand what is permitted to be built there and the permits you require.

I’m working with a program, Military Housing Assistance Fund (MHAF.org) to help in buying process.

In most cases that I can think of a retail tenant makes up a larger portion of the total building rent.Leases are shorter, so I can capture additional revenue when rents rise.Everyone needs a place to live, but not everyone needs to go to a retail store any more.When times get tough, like during a pandemic, is the government more likely to help people or stores pay their rent?

Have you talked to them about applying for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)?

So, if it won't appraise for you need, you both are screwed and the property is now underwater.The "big boys" have these sorts of pre-sale reno programs. 

Due to the way rural telecommunication providers are government subsidized, you may be surprised how good the service is. 

Basically a 1 br apartment with it's own entrance, separated from the main house by a breezeway area.We've decided to rent the apt furnished through a traveling nurses program.