Do you think sticking with white is a safe choice, or is there another color that would add some more curb appeal while remaining neutral?

TIAErich your best bet would be to amortize it over thirty with a 5 year balloon. the issue with private lenders  vs. banks is private lenders use their money to lend and many times it may not keep up with inflation - so lending for that long does not make sense.

This seems like my best bet at the moment.

Going turnkey is a smart choice given your time constraints, just make sure you have a property management in place to handle the proeprties for you. 

Hey Lamar, great to meet you, I have recently ( last 2 years ) been working to break into the same industry, with some success. my advice, talk to sellers. you have a few choices when it comes to how you receive leads, you can do outbound, thats calling.

U see adds all the time  GREAT CASH FLOW  well GREAT cash flow is a personal choice opinion someone in the mid west if they are not getting 1 % rule 2% rule its terrible..

The choice depends on readiness, experience, and long-term goals.Good luck!

I bet the numbers look a fair bit better than here, I would hope. 

In some cases the cash flow may interfere with a choice so we go with the property with the most equity.

Also remember the time these returns will take to amend along with the possibility of opening up audit periods/red flags with the IRS due to amendments.Doing this yourself on turbo tax likely won't be your best bet considering all of the details.