Property taxes are important, sure, but they shouldn't be the make-or-break factor that kills a potentially great deal.I get that, but PT is holding me back from getting positive cash flow.

i think of that as 'holding costs' rather than lost rent. 

It appears you are able to hold her responsible to cover damages and lost rent.

Alternatively, you go to Market B where you can achieve BRRRR'S and buy and renovate $100K houses, each appraising for $140K and you repeat this 4 times over the course of a 2 year period.

Totally emotional questions but I tend to feel that paying off a primary residence earlier is better because you never know what the future holds for you and your income. 

We already signed the purchase agreement several months ago...it has been on hold while they mitigated a pest control issue that has taken 2 months.If it's that important, make it part of your purchase agreement.

Last year I would have said buy and hold.

Established repeat business/word of mouth4.

Build your home criteria based on investment goals, risk profile, returns desired, holding timeline.

It is solid to look at deals that are off-market and know that the ability to buy it at a price and either hold it or sell it will be coming with less competition on the purchase and more upside.