What factors should I consider to determine if this is a good investment?

Reviewing the contract and ignoring what the website says, the question a court will determine is did they provide the services they said they would and did you provide the services you said?

In each of these situations you and your accountant will determine the amount of the property allocated to the investment and 1031. 

How does SAHA determine initial rent?

Most cases don't go to trial, they settle, but you need to know the worst case scenario to determine if it's worth it to pursue.

My questions are about determining which *new city* to invest in.

Any recommendations on how to determine what my criteria should for my budget be would be greatly appreciated.  1.

Could be a battle to determine what kind of rent increase is "reasonable."

More in the "do the dumbest things" category....We get a frantic 11:30 pm call from an elderly tenant crying incoherently but after several minutes my wife determined it was because water was 'pouring' in the bedroom window.My wife distinctly asked her several times if our maintenance guy was called & if he was there as he was not answering his cell. 

Your hard work and determination have paid off, and it's inspiring to see you take this big step in your real estate journey.