I would like to enter the landscape of real estate investing, but the area I live in has a barrier to entry with regards to cost.

Id keep looking if it was not an approved short sale ( even an approved short sale takes a very very long time and theres no guarantee that you will even close on the house after months of waiting). q1)There are plenty of non traditional lenders that could offer you construction financing if the numbers make sense but it will cost you with points and a higher rate.

The buyer agreed to cover the cost of the new appraisal, which came in significantly above the purchase price.

So an identical neighborhood (income, crime, school quality, etc.) can cost you as much as a $100k less on the South side simply because your neighbors are brown or black as opposed to white.this right here is the gem advice.  

If any damage arises from her negligence she will be getting the bills for damages, plus costs of collecting which you bill as well as your attorney in addition to the termination of her lease.

Do you have a preferred type of property and price range you're looking for in general (knowing the costs can be different based on they market)?

This might depend upon your license, if required.Loan Document Costs: Will you charge for these?

What costs/fees should I look out for?

For most investors, to provide true separation would be cost prohibitive (between $10k-$15k). 

There is no PPP and the closing costs are slightly lower compared to a DSCR loan.