I figured I have family in the Baton Rouge area which draws me back there periodically and in a pinch I could have family check in on the property for me, outside of utilizing a property management company.

This sounds consistent with things he’s said in his podcast.Oh and by the way, I like chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.

I would pinch those pennies and work to get a down payment so you can buy something on your own and get some equity in the deal. 

Therefore, I take everything the realtors tell me with a pinch of salt and I form my own opinion.

My guess is she never goes on the website or answers emails unless you offer her cookies to do so (literally chocolate chip). 

My current family spending I consider to be "semi penny pinching" at 7-9k /mth. (90k/yr).

Steven,  I just posted this on another thread- we are all feeling the pinch here,Use local brokers- they will get you the best rates.

This will allow you to exit in a pinch if you have to!

I am in no way out to pinch every dollar I can.

Out of town landlords needing to sell, other people who are feeling the 'pinch' elsewhere and just need to get out of their loans, etc.However, I don't want to get sucked in to thinking that there are a TON of good deals.