Do you plan to live there forever?

Make sure you check the local ordinances / zoning and talk to the local administrator to see if you can do what you are planning.

When i press on the cracked areas, it does not appear soft or wet.I plan to fix it, but I worry it may reappear in months.

I think holding is a great long term plan.

Quote from @Michael Smythe: @Felicia Jenkins the shorter the term of the lease and the more tenants there are, the more challenges you'll face - especially if you plan to manage remotely.Who will be your boots on the ground, do showings, maintenance, etc.?

Personally I like to do things the "right way" and if you plan is to grow you may be better off hiring it out. 

@Bryan Zayac  In PA, there is a state document called the Municipal Planning Code MPC. 

Would love to hear form some Multi-Family owners/operators in these markets about pros/cons and specifically neighborhoods to avoid.My wife and I have been to Columbia SC many times and, while we have never been to Little Rock Arkansas, we plan on going in Late March! 

-- We focus on verifying 2-year work history and verifying rent payments with last 2 landlords (unless in same property for 5+ years).3) MoveIn Specials: be careful with offering "free rent" as will just attract tenants with no cash.-- Try free TV or something else worth 25-50% of one month of rent.-- Or, what we do is offer the free rent AFTER & ONLY if they pay their first 3 months of rent on time to earn it.4) Lower the rent 5% every 2-4 weeks until activity picks up.5) Understand this is the worst time of year to find tenants.-- Starts picking back up end of February when this tenant pool starts getting their income tax refunds and aren't broke anymore.6) Section 8: where is the property being advertised?

So be careful of that.