We have been audited by the IRS recently with no issues.

Had an issue with trying to self-permit a build a few years back that was an HPR but had an "A" and "B" designation.

There are cheaper one’s in D/F areas but I would be careful as those can create a laundry list of additional issues.

There's a good chance the issue(s) you face has already been discussed and answered.Ask questions in the appropriate forum.

I think the zoning laws are iffy and it's a risk that many investors are taking - and getting away with.

But I knew and had worked with a couple of hard money lenders often enough as well to know that they’d fund any purchase in the range I was looking to buy in without issue if my private lenders didn’t have the capital or weren’t interested.So to answer your question I already had several lenders in place that I had worked with previously. 

Landlord friendly laws keep you safe(ish) from legal disputes with tenants and there are pockets in both markets that are appreciating at solid or better rates.

of course the sale of hurricane damaged houses also confuses the issue (my house had no such damage but is only about 4 blocks from houses that did). 

A couple issues with Credit/income on paper.

I have done it in the past and never had an issue until recently.