Whatever source you use to determine where you want to be, remember to judge each opportunity on it's own merit.

Does anyone have a link that I’m not seeing or know where things like what amount of wall damage merits claiming against the deposit?

I can crunch the numbers and see if a property cash flows (with and without me occupying a unit) but what I don't know is how to weigh the merits of going FHA with all the fees (1.75% + 1.85%) and likely getting into a larger property earlier vs. waiting and saving for a smaller property a little bit later. 

I might have a cordial conversation ahead of time to let them know what's coming, as a courtesy but they must understand that property taxes and insurance have gone up yearly since they have lived there, which dictates an increase just on it's own merit.

The one-rental-at-a-time BRRRR method certainly has merit, but getting initial cash flow that is next to nothing is kind of hard to justify, so we are looking into all options.

Is there merit in getting a broker license - with the goal being I can save unto 3% on the buy, 3% on the sell  - thus enhancing ROI and letting me offer more for homes? 

My credit Union that my personal and business accounts are with recommended to me that I could put it under my personal name as my primary residence with 80% LTV at 6.75% if utilities are in my name.I’ve also heard chatter about a FHA refinancing on Facebook forums, but I don’t know how much merit there is there.Since this is my first rodeo, I’m not sure what the right move is.

Also, there may be merit in a nurture campaign whereby you contact the spouse and find a means to engage her and impress her with how she can help others in her family by merely allowing you to help her.

If the transaction is going to be successful on its merits for the borrower and they can satisfy our general guidelines, then we'll do the loan.  

Now, if you were looking for your primary residence, this could have some merit if that's they type of home you want for your family, but as an investment it doesn't make much sense for your situation.