Seems like they are harder to find listings for (or possibly just fewer out there) what are your thoughts on areas I should look?

It is neither a consumer issue nor a licensing issue. 

It's extremely important that you understand your documents in the event of a default and the standard language in a boiler plate note and mortgage is structured primarily for consumers, not investors.

Maybe in the Midwest where housing is still very affordable, but there are fewer investors. 

Lare corporations have a duty to protect the consumer and that is not happening here on a massive scale.

Hilltop is now more expensive by far than a year ago but the whole area is just now breaking ground on what we'll see over the next 5 years. the east side of I5 only a mile or two as the crow flies is probably the next major neighborhood as there is a clean up project there a well.Lastly, I believe the City has yet ANOTHER major clean up project going in right next to the mall that will consume a couple city blocks, create a new greenbelt and park, etc.Ruston condos are selling for $1m+, and Proctor homes seem to start around $450k for the most part.

It could be low on reserves, credit rating, consumer debt, income- good or bad in any category they will tell you what they need to see.

This is difficult to overcome in my screening process.The middle type of debt that hurts but doesn't kill are consumer credit. 

My wife and I just completed our 34 months journey on paying off all $162K of consumer debt, which was started because of our desire for FI.

It's time consuming calling each one and waiting for them to get back to me.