Top floor, corner unit, whether there is an elevator, etc will all affect value.On the investment side - gross rents don't tell much. 

I also need to work on my 10sec elevator speech to generate interest in what I do. 

Further, you can also place "reasonable" restrictions on the animals, including the requirement of a recent veterinarian report on the health and vaccine status, with annual updates; must be spayed or neutered unless contraindicated by veterinarian; must be in a carrier or on a leash (unless this prevents them performing their service or task) in common areas, especially elevators, stairways, and other areas where people would be in confined spaces; must clean up after the animal properly in common areas; offensive odors must not emanate from the residence; aggressive or nuisance behavior (such as extended periods of barking NOT related to the service or task they provide) can be prohibited, and potentially grounds for removing the animal and/or the resident; animal must have a chip or collar with owner's identifying/contact information; must have appropriate city/county license if required locally; and photos of the animal for your records.A thorough and clear policy will deter many of those that are less than sincere from applying when they are made aware of the policy details early in the process...like at the viewing, and mention of the policy in ads.

Aiming for elevated rents in undervalued markets usually means high-interest rates on the originated loan (think 8.5% - 9.5%). 

In that time I have seen the same story play out time and time again, the "mirage" that if you make it nice, sec8 tenant will "appreciate" it and all will elevate, getto-gardens will flourish, hugging circles will replace drive-bys and all will be well.

That City in the Mountains has future of elevation laid out before it, keep Asheville top of mind, and soon it will be on the top of a lot of investors lists if it isn't already. 

Those that I have seen are usually advertised as short term rentals at considerably elevated rents, but how long are people interested in renting a furnished house like that versus having a blank slate?

There is the Berks County  Real Estate Meet Up group and the Elevate Investing Meet Up group.  

If you can not avoid the flood zone, discuss with your Architect/Engineer, what features or construction options that can lower the cost of the eventual flood policy (elevating the house, break away panels, etc.)

Pre-BUILDING STEPS- permission from the planning and zoning desk- topographic map from a civil engineer- Building plans and elevations from an architect - Site plans from Civil Engineer.