With prices the way they are going, I feel people have no choice but to look to those ignored markets.

Every market has its bright spot its great Agents and PM's etc.. its all personal choice.

Overall, which option seems like the better choice? 

To win in property deals, keep up with nearby shifts, look at loan choices, connect with banks, and think about hiring someone to oversee properties.

Its not a choice!

At the end of the 14 day period it would be my choice to fix the door and charge him or to take other measures.When i asked her if she would send me a copy of the noncompliance letter to the tenant, she said she wouldnt do that unless this goes to court. 

If you are very busy and want an easy to learn, easy to teach software, Rent manager is probably not the choice.  

If the choice is paying a high interest rate and still making money that is often a better choice than not doing the deal at all. 

I have a choice to make on which lender to go with on my rental property refinance, however as I research each lender, I cannot find adequate information about their actual business practices.

But since that is the choice you have made: I don't know what it is like in Pueblo; but in Mesa County where I live there is a person on staff that walks you through the process and the necessary paperwork that needs to be filed (they don't fill it out for you - just provide the steps).