Hello! I am looking to buy my first investment property using an FHA 203k loan. My goal is to maximize cash flow to pay off current loan balances and increase my savings rate. I'm looking at two different lending opti...

If you just want to invest your own cash in a note, it fairly easy and straightforward, as long as you can accept the RISK of a risk adjusted return.  

With no rehab expenses or holding costs involved, the financing was straightforward.

I want to present a competitive offer, but I also understand this is a numbers game—having a clean, straightforward offer upfront means I can make more offers in the long run.Just wanted to hear some opinions.

Since you’re looking at both short-term and long-term rentals, I’d suggest narrowing your focus to one strategy first so you can really learn the numbers, financing, and management side.Long-term rentals are usually the easier entry point since they’re more stable and financing is straightforward, while short-term rentals can create higher cash flow but require more active management and upfront planning.What market are you thinking about starting in?

That said, cash-out refinance through a DSCR or investor-focused product is usually much more straightforward and commonly used by LLCs.Complications: An LLC doesn’t complicate things too much if you’re working with lenders used to investment properties.

The second deal was a little less straight forward.  

And, more importantly, is it worth the extra spend when compared to more affordable, “unlimited” options?

You get the best loan terms, no annual entity costs, and a more straightforward closing process.

Most of what I target are 3–12 unit buildings priced below replacement cost with straightforward repositioning opportunities, typically deferred-maintenance and management-inefficiency plays rather than heavy structural rehabs.I’m local, so I oversee a hands-on management model through my company (MF CashFlow Property Management) to control expenses and quality.