Option 4- a portfolio loan for 200k leveraging all 4 rentals, to use as a down payment on 4 properties (this would essentially give us 9 mortgages if we pull it off) but would also mean we are leveraged on all properties opposed to having the 4 with no debt. the same challenge as option 3. 

Sometimes they move together with housing prices, sometimes in the opposing directions, and sometimes they are completely uncorrelated.

The DSCR lenders tend to look at whether or not the income on the property covers the mortgage as opposed to looking at your own income or your DTI.

The taxes on a flip are because it was a flip, as opposed to properties held long term.  

We've already asked the CDD if they're interested in purchasing, but they're only interested in the raw number value, as opposed to the value proposition a properly run course could bring in terms of cashflow.

I've gotten 2 opposing answers. 

The hard money loan may need to be "seasoned" a little bit,  but as long as those things look good, you shouldn't have too many issues just because it's a hard money loan opposed to a conventional one.

I have started to look more into STR as opposed to LTR in the area.

I’m in the process of getting business cards 1.5 years into it, mostly for the convenience of giving my phone number to people as opposed to advertising my business.

I am not opposed to traditional financing but I will most likely have the same problem.