Had to use 4 different calculators, re-enter the same data each time, and manually compare results in a spreadsheet.My workflow:BiggerPockets calculator for conventionalFHA.com calculator for FHA loansRandom DSCR lender site for non-QMExcel to compare everything side-by-sideRip my hair out...I'm curious how everyone else handles this.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process, even though at times I wanted to tear my hair out :) . 

Since you will not have the ability to get an inspection done you are rolling the dice. 

Debating one over the other is splitting hairs, if you ask me.

In theory there's another option, which is private maintenance agreements where everyone agrees to just pay the actual cost of maintenance when a bill is sent to them.

The ability to clone last month's transactions with revisions as needed.

The biggest draw for larger brokers is the ability to hide comp behind the margin curtain on the rate sheet and change it by loan size, etc.

In all honesty, the ability to work with a senior lender who accepts mezzanine debt structures is the more difficult part of the equation.

I have been interested in real estate investing since I was a student in Physical Therapy due to its wealth building ability and have been listening to the bigger pockets podcast on and off the last few years.

while it's certainly an option, sometimes we see new investors think that they'll buy an investment property, and then use the cash flow / proceeds from that property to help bolster their ability to buy a primary residence.