So, your mortgages will be secured by real estate and personally guaranteed by you personally.

The person you spoke with may be referencing earnest money deposit (buyer showing the seller they have skin in the game; this can be refundable or non refundable).Some lenders require an application fee (junk fee) and those lenders typically are more expensive to begin with.

You have tons of options and it always depends this is not personalized advice just general info let us know if you have any other questions  

Most STR owners joined the game during/since COVID and does not know what normal looks like causing newer owners to panic and drop rates to rock bottom (4 bedrooms with indoor pools during spring break art $229 a night when the Holiday Inn Express is $249 a night).

Personally, I would do what you do best.

I'm in the process of purchasing a home for personal use and have come across a dream house.

The second personal residence that I bought was a two unit and lived I one and rented the other. 

I am the only person that will be able to update you in this matter.

I am personally a big fan of some Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida deals, as they are all fairly landlord-friendly.

I can’t message directly because I’m not Pro on BP, but I’m selling through Christie Perkins of Coldwell Banker, who is the most knowledgeable person I know about the Tallahassee rental market and real estate in general in this city.