Compensating factors ie. weaker credit score, weaker reserves, weaker DTI2.

Your best bet might be to go to local investor workshops and then find someone very successful where they might take the time to help you out IF they feel you are truly motivated to listen and take action with direction as given.At some point as people age they do want to pay it forward helping others but not those with low motivation or want the easy answers in life with massive results.  

You get their low, low interest rate, 3%, 4%.

Savings, credit cards How did you add value to the deal?

This could be through finding ways to increase the rent on your existing properties, taking on additional work, or finding other income streams.Reducing your current debt levels can also improve your DTI ratio.Improve Your Credit Score.Look into various financial institutions, including community banks, credit unions, and online lenders, which may have different criteria or offer programs for investors.Since portfolio lenders retain their loans in their own portfolios rather than selling them on the secondary market, they are able to provide greater flexibility.

But they felt like they had to market a low rate to "keep up with the Joneses".

We ultimately ended up negotiating a seller credit for our buyer, for the cost of having the property tented for termites - maybe this is an option for you.

In the meantime low cash outlay for them. 

I know there are loans that consider rental income in order to qualify (credit is good).

If I get the cancelled dates rebooked, then I refund half and offer a standing credit of the other half for whenever they book in the future!