Firstly, there is an STL REI happy hour next week that might be a good place for you to meet people.

Phoenix, AZ/Maricopa County, AZ is an incredible place to invest and house hack.

To me a house hack will most likely work in Tulsa - I haven't done any research on that area, but as far as I know it's not a crazy market like places in California etc.Also read a lot, get some books from your local library or purchase some online.

Do not place yourself into a position of needing to sell in a reduced value environment. 

I was originally drawn to it because I wanted to have one place where all my tenants paid rent and where they had the option to set up auto payments. 

Changing lenders wont help - this will be the case for almost every lender.Call your insurance company and confirm that a binder is in place for your insurance for this deal.

Some places you can look up that info.

Portland is one of the WORST places to be a landlord should you have to leave early and you want to rent out your home there.  

I’ve seen this being done in only a couple of places over the years.

If the tenant was placed by the Manager, and wishes to extend or renew their lease, andthe owner wishes to cancel this agreement to continue on with the existing tenant, there will bea fee of $800 + GST.