Does this make sense or should I stop wasting my time and energy trying to figure out how to make it work?

I can't even let myself "relax" and do something like play an online because it just feels like such a waste of time and energy.

If the area takes an economic hit, these small secondary markets (and your tenants and you) will be the first to suffer.Like i said, if you end up investing in a market with 2,000 people, I'm confident you'll agree with my comments above.   

Insulation is required per 2012 Energy Code which will require R-30. 

For Iowa, the area is economically depressed and you may have difficulty just renting it.. 

., how did you arrive or decide at 12% economic loss?

People will move from the relative poverty of the farm to the new cities and wallah a whole new economic sector will spring up. 

Kyle has brought some great experience and energy to Memphis Investment Properties.

If your in Higher end markets I suspect brokering for one who wants to put in the time energy and build a career is far better.What I see here on BP Is I suspect 95% of those that jump on here and say they are investor / wholesalers will not get past the first year if that.Whereas a real estate career if worked at is something you can do for a lifetime.. and if gets far easier as time goe's on..

@Lucky TidermanI believed the demand of housing is a result of economical activities.