Zandi said the added cost would be even greater for Americans with lower incomes or credit scores."

I don't know how much more cost effective a one off modular  house will be.

However, in such a case, a rescue fund would hold a superior position in the capital structure compared to the common equity investors, including yourselves and there acting as a parasite taking equity upside from all common equity investors.While this might provide a safer position for the pref equity slash rescue fund, it would also significantly impact the returns for common equity investors (previous guys).

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

I have already shopped insurance, and the sellers are providing $5k towards prepaids/closing costs. 

The potential liability from having someone do a job they are not licensed to do far outweighs the cost-benefit.

Rising interest rates, slim margins, and unexpected costs can kill a deal fast.

To gain the experience I need and to see how the hospitality world works for meI plan to continue airbnb arbritage for a bit until I can own my own property in the area but that will be some time from now as the average home price in the area is 600k+ I'd need to save atleast 15% (10% for down payment 5% for closing costs).

Quote from @Rich Davis: I know there have been posts regarding the ever increasing cost of insurance.  

@Mike Hern yeah, I did but it just seemed like more headache and costs that I wasn’t looking to take on.