Emerging neighborhoods like Binghampton and Cooper-Young are getting popular.

It seems like most all popular screening services like Mysmartmove, Rentspree, etc use the Transunion "resident score" instead of producing actual FICO credit scores for tenants.

Given need to (potentially) seek outside investment from family for conventional.I’ve heard FHA is tough in these popular areas due to more stringent inspections, longer time to close, and perceived higher risk of riskier buyer and deal falling through.

Keep the FHA loan as an alternative if capital constraints arise.

SFH are more popular.

Quick thoughts on the markets you're considering:Knoxville, TN: Growing, affordable, and a strong university presence.Huntsville/Montgomery/Tuscaloosa, AL: Huntsville's got tech, while Montgomery and Tuscaloosa have colleges.Asheville, NC: Popular tourist spot, but competitive and pricey.Akron, OH: Affordable, but keep an eye on the local economy.Irving, TX: Part of DFW, so a big market, but prices are higher.St.

My alternative would be living in a single family for a year and renting out. 

They'll understand this investment and be able to give you alternatives that are much less risky.

This is why I never fill a vacancy until the unit is vacant because often times tenants have last minute changes in their plans and an average tenant may not have the ability to make alternate accommodations.If you are using the PA lease provided to realtors, check out paragraph 21 about holdover tenants.

Alternatively there are also asset based lenders that do not require DSCR calculation or income verification, that can be less costly than hard money, and fully amortizing.