Salem generally offers better ROI and higher chance of cash flow, making it a compelling choice for your first BRRRR project.

There should never be a choice between a property that cash flows and one that builds up equity from appreciation. 

Many of the Canadian clients I work with gravitate towards North Carolina, Texas, with Florida and Arizona being their top choices so I'd looking into those states a bit more which it seems you've already started to do. 

First issue is an investor always has a choice for liability protection: Insurance vs LLC setupIf you have enough insurance, you can cover any lawsuit!

Welcome to BP SarahHouse-hacking is a great choice.

@Patrick RobertsFor now, I have very little capital and a military paycheck so I kind of have to make the right choices or else.

Paying a commission seems ridiculous for a seasoned investor but if that's the way these our sold I guess you don't have a choice.  

Here’s your answer:Depreciation (Line 13/14) – can be added BACK as income Business Use of Home (Line 30) – can be added BACK as incomeVehicle Miles (Line 44A) – can be added BACK as incomeUn-allowed Meals and Entertainment (Line 24B) – is subtracted FROM your incomeIf you have a choice on HOW to deduct the items above then you want to CHOOSE to try to deduct them in those categories.

Keep an eye on real estate trends and what the market is like to make smart choices for your property.

"Too good to refuse" usually means you are making the right choice.