Also, I understand places like CA and TX have higher tax rates.

Personal Name for PurchaseLLC Loans: Loans for LLCs usually come with higher interest rates and stricter terms because they’re considered commercial.Personal Loans: If it’s your first property, buying under your personal name might be easier and get you better terms.

Increase the occupancy rate to 80% or higher over the next 12 monthsto increase the value.

While rates can be higher, they are efficient for temporary needs.2.

Whether it’s developing new housing complexes or refurbishing existing ones for higher-end rentals, the opportunities for capitalizing on this growth are vast.The decision by Anduril Industries to set up shop in Columbus is a game-changer, signaling a major shift in the city's economic landscape that savvy investors should not overlook.

Id keep looking if it was not an approved short sale ( even an approved short sale takes a very very long time and theres no guarantee that you will even close on the house after months of waiting). q1)There are plenty of non traditional lenders that could offer you construction financing if the numbers make sense but it will cost you with points and a higher rate.

I found this one on realtor.com by doing a search that only showed me properties with asking prices no higher than $150k

They don't mind higher vacancy rates then SFH might be an option.  

If you are looking for rental income, you may have better luck finding cashflowing properties on the westside of town (Fort Worth, Arlington) due to the higher price/rent ratio.

While @Phillip Austin mentioned Raleigh is a higher returns its just very much a appreciation market, you will not find rentals that cashflow, so depending on your goals its a good or bad market.