So far, my research shows a good mix of demographics, population, incomes, AND the crime stats seem pretty low... lower than the national average.Anyone investing in Appleton, WI and willing to share your thoughts/experience?   

@Ramada Evans- 1) if buying as a rental and  financing it - your down payment will need to be a min of  15% of the  purchase price   ( so thats either  30,750 at 205K price or 32,850 at the 219K price ...so  not much of a down payment  difference   2) if it appears that there isnt much competition  or interest in theproperty - the lower price might be OK   3)  you might also consider   asking the seller for a seller  credit you can use towards some of your loan costs   4) get pre approved  if you arent already pre approved 

They are two distinctly different things and that's what trips up most lower income housing investors. 

Any advice on how to get rental income reported (from the current rental property and future income from renting out our primary residence) and lower the DTI??

Vegas is a perfect example U can buy a 400k rental there and in many  cases the taxs will be lower than say a 100k rental in Jackson MS.

Our local market in Columbus has been pretty incredible with price points lower than markets like Austin or Nashville, with a better economic outlook than similar large cities of over 900k people. 

The effort level is lower to sell than to BRRR, because you don't have to rent or refinance the property.

Actually I do have  the comparables since every year I have fought with the county to lower my property taxes :)!

Since yours is only water and heat I would recommend you charge 50% and lower the rent cost rather than factoring it into the rent price.

Competition is much lower this time of the year and the election has further slowed down the market, which creates opportunities for savvy buyers.