They also use my brokers' license allowing us access to the MLS for retail selling of property and comparable information.

I don’t know about the specific property you are talking about, but my guess would be someone is using a HUD financing product that comes with a restriction that they have to rent to people below a certain standard compared to the median in their market.

They expect a smart borrower to shop around and compare terms, ask one lender if they'll match or beat another.

Initially my wife was pushing for the heloc as the method to get our down payment money but I insisted on as closely as possible comparing the numbers to the cash out refi. 

I'd be very careful about buying a subordinate position without understanding a reliable exit strategy, a true knowledge and understanding of the liens on the property, payoff amounts, potential title issues, value of property, etc.

Those are good places to start but you should always look for sales that are comparable in type, size, condition, and amenities.  

Metal building will likely be more to build but with lumber prices the way they are right now it’s probably fairly comparable.

At the end of the year, compare what you’ve ‘set aside’ versus what you’ve spent.

I know other landlords who love having Section 8 tenants due to the reliability of payments.

In fact, there are very few small MFH around the way compared to here so we're looking to house-hack but are open to other opportunities.