Additionally, there are a ton of housing providers and organizations around the country trying to fill vacancies.

This is correct, but that .5% is IN ADDITION to all the other closing costs associated with a refinance (Title/Escrow Fees, prepaids, and depending on the bank, Underwriting / processor costs) - so in reality it can be a little more expensive to refinance with IRRRLs.

I was shown about a handful of their holdings in the Houston, Memphis, and Little Rock markets, but the cash flow and CoC returns were less than $100 per month and 2-4% after factoring in additional expenses like 7% vacancy and 10% maintenance per month to go along with 20% down and conventional mortgage.

In addition being able to do your own searchs and one thing out west here that was very productive for us/me was just going through the big Plat maps ( the actual mylar / paper ones in the day) We could find shadow plats.

in addition to the military growth the tourism from our emerald coast beaches is flourishing. 

I definitely am leaning toward the first application being the one for me, and I appreciate the advice to make sure it is a good tenant in addition to just being a flesh and bones human who (might) pay me the rent on time.One of the advices I read above was to be a bit less discerning perhaps and get someone in the door for 6 months at a reduced rate, and then find my golden tenant in the summer.

In addition, you will not be relying on the legislature to continue to protect safe unpermitted units.  

Additionally, I don't have the time to sift through all the legal jargon and pinpoint where they’ve breached the contract, so it's worth having a lawyer review it in my situation.

In addition to my real estate expertise, I’ve spent years building and collaborating with property management companies.

Additionally, are there any other methods, approaches or strategies you’d suggest for someone just starting out in this space?