If you cannot google and find a lender then there is most likely a reason why you cannot find a lender to do the loan.Finding a lender today is like finding a mcdonalds, they are all over the place.

For the reasons other have said, do your best to keep the rental. 

Am I more likely to be able to add $50k or $100k of value above cost in a high Cost RE market or a low cost RE market?  

They didn’t give me a reason why my loan didn’t close.

What is the average acquisition cost of the houses?

I'd decide what is reasonable in the market that you want to invest in and create a strategy around that- not what a stranger (who, very likely has never done a deal) says on the internet.Best of luck- happy investing!

FHA rules require that a landlord allow an ESA if it is a reasonable accommodation.

I did not want to spend 50K on doing separate meters for where I have my rentals it would cost me this much.

Avantstay's services cost money because they provide value.

Anything you do remote will come at a cost of operational inefficiencies and a higher cost of doing business.