To make the most of this opportunity, I'd love to hear advice on promising emerging cities to focus on, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and alternative financing methods beyond traditional mortgagesEntry-level pricing, job market, landlord regulation, population growth, and price-to-income ratio are a few of the major metrics to consider when deciding on a market to invest in. 

There are plenty of things that can be done with current technologies to combat the effects, whether it be to hold back the ocean (just look at New Orleans--has been below sea level for hundreds of years) or AC units that are becoming more and more efficient each year.

I heard that to join the inner group you pay $10K-35K depending on what level you want? 

We do these on LTR’s and STR’s for clients often and have never requested a tax transcript to my knowledge.They gave no reason and have lost my trust because they didn't mention they needed this paperwork either.

The logic behind this is once you pay off the mortgage, you will obtain a level of satisfaction that will make you want to pay off the next balance faster.Best of luck on whatever you decide to do.

You realize that there is a lot you don't know yet and aren't sure how or who to trust. 

My settlement statement has "Housemax Funding LLC" as the lender on both closing statements, however, they told me that they sold the loan to a REIT (NY Trust).  2.

If there is no mortgage payment at present, escrow items are not added back in the above explanation.It's more nuanced than this and there are many exceptions/caveats, but this gives a high-level explanation. 

Never trust wholesalers they have no duty to you to tell the truth.so that being said.. just use them as a lead source.run your own comps. do your own inspections and have your rehab crew give you estimates.

They may or may not require underwriting on you as a person, including credit checks, asset levels, etc.