The owner occupant rate is super low compared to many states but as a rental it goes up alot.  

Super low vacancy rates in SD, even STR's. 

So same thing as an agent pick a technique and stick to it.Myself personally when I started as an agent I did not do follow up like I should have but what i did do was become a CLOSESR  If i got in front of them my success rate was very high so thats where I put my energy and my moto was next..If I could not close them first meeting I moved on the next. 

my experience has been (1) I can obtain the same rental rate for a 6 month lease that I can for a 60 day “stay” if FULLY furnished (2) some of these 6 month rental turn into 2 years or more.  

(Not being a vet I’m not sure of the interest rate difference but know that the 3.5% down FHA is often worse than a conventional 5% down.).

So, what is happening today is not as important as what will happen in the foreseeable future.If rents are increasing faster than inflation (I use 5% per year as an average rate), then it may be worth holding the property, since your cash flow will increase as rents rise.However, in your post you stated, "Mortgage rates have kept increasing as well, that's why I put a range on negative cash flow."

I also practice as a Realtor because I enjoy it and it is extra income.So as an investor, your options are to get your RE license and have access to a lot of tools and do the research yourself (therefore you're paying with time, energy and a little money) or you work with a great realtor/investor in the specific market you're looking into.

Oh and the economy, interest rates and buying sentiment matter too!!

(Interest rates and equity are key factors for cash flow)2.

If you look at the MF mentor guru's they have one thing in mind when you do a deal with them  YOU ARE ALREADY accredited and have 100k or more to invest in their deals and the money to buy their course. the beginner fix and flip gurus and wholesale gurus like to take those that dont know much about the business and teach them how to do it and of course we know the success rate for those with no experience taking those courses is minute but the folks feel good being a part of the big events..