And 3 days a year I spend about 30 minutes pondering a repair, rent increase or turnover choice. 

I am also a licensed EMT, and would love to provide housing for travel nurses, contractors, etc. in that realm since I can relate to them in previous jobs that I've had.I'm looking to invest in these states preferably: Georgia (1st choice - preferably near or south of ATL or in/near Savannah), Alabama, South or North Carolina, and Florida.

Should it simply be one of two choices: deny application or accept application with ESA exemption even if the property qualifies for the FHA exemption?

Based on your description, Party 1 seems like the safer choice.

If it's in the restricted zone (within 31 miles of the coast or 62 miles from an international border, you have the choice between using a bank trust and paying the fees mentioned above or using a Mexican corporation and bearing the costs of establishing and maintaining  the corporation.

Im hoping to find an investor to help me buy the lot next to mine so i can move up from doing tax deeds.. if not i have my next lot picked out and will continue to invest in them while i fix my credit and learn more on investing.. i have always wanted to be successful in life but drugs and bad choices have kept me from it.. now im proud to say there is nothing that will stand in my way of realizing my dreams Just following up.

I went with the conventional option for a few reasons, but that's not the best choice for everyone.

Overpricing will likely lead to longer vacancies and lost income.Respond QuicklyTenants have more choices than ever, and properties that don’t respond to inquiries promptly may lose out.

Going through my real estate journey I have learned a lot, I am 24, a veteran and a graduate from Temple University,I started with aspirations of investing on a property and making a quick flip.My problem lied with fear of failing, my capital and my savings.I decided I wanted to learn the real estate market and know the ins and outs before I would make a bold choice on buying my first real estate home.

Depending how much of the neighborhood is a hot zone for renting rather buying, and which Property type is performing better than the other (meaning 1bd 1ba 2 floor renting out faster and much more consistently than a 2bd 1ba 1 floor), you can make your choice of those factors as well as other ones that impact your decision for what you wanna do with your investment.