When the exit strategy is not clearly defined, whether it is a flip, a BRRRR, or a long term hold, the risk begins to feel uncertain.

Vs new, they don't know whether you will stay in biz or not without coaching/mentoring, or have certain education or skills.With Florida, I'm sure a lot are getting more conservative with uncertain economic environment pressures.

Based on the rates I’ve been quoted so far, the existing rent would more than cover the mortgage with a small amount of cash flow.Where I’m feeling uncertain is building the right team — specifically an agent who truly understands investing and house hacking, not just standard owner-occupied purchases or standard first-time home purchases.I’ve spoken with several real estate agents but I’m not confident any of them have strong investor backgrounds.

That isn't unusual (as there are many simimlar brokers). 

I don't know metro Detroit, but you might find the same thing there... a regional bank that wants to chase high net worth individuals by offering an unusually good NOO HELOC, they might make it a package deal and require that you open a checking/savings account with them (they want more of your business than JUST your HELOC, that's the point, that's their goal, that's why they do it). 

In deals like this, lenders tend to underwrite much more conservatively, especially on equipment and receivables, since resale value and liquidity are uncertain, so effective LTVs are often lower than borrowers expect.

This is an unusual request so early in the process but they might be bringing it up because it has been an issue in their current or previous residence.In my experience, tenants and buyers receive a lead-based paint disclosure form at lease signing (or contract signing if purchasing). 

Uncertain economy?

Supply is still the bottleneck.Let’s break down what actually matters heading into spring 2026.PCE Inflation Runs Hotter Than ForecastDecember’s Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report — the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge — came in slightly above expectations.Headline inflation: +0.4% for the month, 2.9% annuallyCore inflation: +0.4% for the month, 3.0% annuallyStreaming services jumped nearly 20% in December, adding unusual pressure to the monthly number.What this means for mortgage rates:Inflation is still above the Fed’s 2% target, which keeps policymakers cautious on rate cuts.However — context matters.Higher inflation readings from early 2025 will soon roll off the annual comparison.

It's highly unusual that an investor would want to sell a high performing unit with a great tenant...So expect problems if inheriting at tenant.