I recommend connecting with deal finders in the area you're looking for deals that aren't available to the open market.

Are there more buyers than houses available in the neighborhoods you're considering?

@Isadore Nelson I'm currently seeing 154 available rentals on Zillow in the 19119 zip-code, ugh... is exactly the wrong way to analyze a neighborhood, lets use the 19119 zip code for this exercise: Did you know the 19119 zip code is ~ 3.5 Square miles? 

I have called and sent emails to no avail.  

It's similar to saying that you should always put down 20% to avoid mortgage insurance—sometimes it’s smarter to put down 5% and keep more cash available for other opportunities.

BNBCalc partners with several data providers for short-term rental revenue estimates (Airdna), comparable properties (Airbtics), long-term rentals, tax information, and property information.Our comparable properties provider airbtics provides "revenue potential" estimates which it defines and calculates as the following:Revenue Potential is the revenue that the listing could have earned if it was active every day for the past 12 months.Formula:Revenue Potential: = (Revenue / Days available) * 365 Example: ($33,500 / 304)*365 = $40,222You can find more info about their data on their FAQ!

There are rumblings that over the next year or two more apartment buildings may come available.

I found a property listed on the MLS that mentioned Vendee financing may be available.  

FHA and conventional loans are available for such for non-permanent residents, but there are quite a few rules so I can't be sure you'd qualify without talking further.

. :)As I comp my 3/2.5 primary residence on FurnishedFinder and Airbnb, I saw a lot of availability around White Rock Lake, which does concern me somewhat as I would need to cover the first mortgage with rental income.