Do a flip in a warzone and you tent to get lower contractor prices.Then it depends on the market, .. do people love the area, are there many houses you are competing with for sale when you are done...

try to buy the first at a discount or negotiate a lower payoff.2.

The more into farming country you go the lower the price. 

Depending your equity sources, you can look to structure the deal as a partnership to get similar results (actually, better) results with lower costs and hassle. 

There are some 3% down conventional loans with lower PMI rates. 

Beyond that, I would need to either have a lower down payment (down to around 15%), or figureout a way to finance some of the rehab costs, or both.A local regular bank.

You'll definitely have lower acquisition costs and more cash flow in North Carolina that's for sure.

but realize that if you're using an FHA loan it's likely a retail property and this will mean lower margins.

Through the years, the HOA tried lowering the rental percentage, not raising them.

The lender will take lower middle score on application even though your fiancé has higher score.