If you're new to investing, keeping an eye on property taxes and HOA fees in this area is also key. 

Remember, they can always refer themselves😊Now, make it a goal to call at least 5-10 of these people EVERY day and ask a MAX OF THREE off the list below of who they know that:Just inherited a homeHad a loved one pass awayIs behind on their mortgage or tax paymentsHas a relative that can’t take care of their house anymoreHas a house they’re having trouble sellingIs facing bankruptcyKnows a probate attorneyKnows a bankruptcy attorneyetcWhy only three off the list per contact?

At the same time I find myself participating in other forums I used to ignore, like the taxes and short term rentals forums, because those have become bigger focus areas (and pain points!)

If it wasn’t the insurance it would have been the property taxes.

Account Closed I have had tremendous success using direct mail and mailing the owner of record where the tax bills get mailed to.Generally, property management companies don’t pay the real estate taxes so this gets me right to the owner.Targeting wise, I would just do a zip code filtered by unit count using a service like listsource.  

It's an estimated cash on cash return given current rental rates subtract expenses assuming 7% interest rate, 10% management fee, 5% repairs, 5% capex and other expenses like mortgage, insurance, tax. it's a estimate to tell you what properties to analyze vs ignoreyou can see the are pockets of negative returns as well as pockets of positive return. this is to supplement the data @Devin Conley provided

High taxes, a declining population, and an environment that is less than friendly to businesses are important factors to consider.

Mid thirties couple earning very well (more than 8X rent) with a small pet.

Is the option government supplied insurance where taxes supplement the insurance?  

If you are trying to come up with a way to finagle the occupancy requirements while using an amazing loan (that you earned based on your service) like a VA, I would say you are starting off on the wrong foot.