Typically Conventional will end 42% of DTI and FHA can get up to 51% DTI (and based on your credit score I think you should stretch to that 51%) Just a few things to start thinking about as you are working through the process. 

A good score is an easy "yes", but a bad score is an "ask more questions" in my process.

All beginners want to jump start the process... but real estate is really a get rich slowly process.  

Staging is the process of arranging and decorating your house to highlight its best features and make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers.

Have 89 acres we are in the process of buying.  

Scary how fast things move when everyone buys into the process. 

It can be a long process if you don't narrow it down.

I've never gone through the zoning change process that you mention although I've heard it can be very profitable.  

Quote from @Cynthia Lee: Accepting even $1 could be seen as evidence of a payment plan, and the entire eviction process could be derailed.Once you start the eviction process, to not accept any payment unless it is a full payment in certified funds (cash, money order, cashiers check).

Focus on finding a replacement with strong tenant screening processes and performance guarantees.