Each strategy produces slightly different rent rates.

Do a series with each focused on the different things you mentioned. 

I think it is always a good idea to interview a few different PMs and ask for referrals of owners they are currently managing properties for to see if they are satisfied with their PM.Thanks Jake

Thank you, Doing work for an investor is different then working on a 203K loan. 

However, a lot of concerns can be mitigated with looking at their past rental behavior in a lot of different settings.

I've done it for two different properties and happy I didn't go FHA for that reason- although everyone's circumstances are different.

You could also get a couple different agents in the area to get you good comps on what to sell it for and compare on what they say the out price can be. 

Need something to play with, so maybe different market for something new.  

If you are planning on living there (ie in 1 unit) then you are house-hacking and this is a different calculation consideration then renting out both units and making it a true investment.

There is no harm in reaching out for a slight difference in budget you can just say that you got there contact on FF and have an available unit slightly above their price range and tell them the price and let them know to get back to you if they are interested.