I am now working as an engineer in the Twin Cities, but have plans of moving to Austin, TX with my wife to house-hack and work in the more plentiful tech market over there. 

Assuming you don't plan on going back into any consumer debt again I like your plan versus barely getting by.

However, the tax treatment differs between short-term and long-term rentals:Short-Term Rentals (STRs): If you materially participate (work 100+ hours and more than anyone else on the property), you may be able to offset rental deductions against W-2 or other active income, offering greater tax benefits.Long-Term Rentals (LTRs): If your AGI exceeds $100K, your rental losses may be limited, unless you qualify as a Real Estate Professional (REPS).If you plan to expand your rental portfolio, consider an LLC later for liability protection and easier management.

@Anthony Saheed I would advise you to be very careful to recommend people to speculate in volatile real estate markets.

We closed on our first property on November 15 and plan to employ the fix-and-flip strategy. 

I kind of like the idea of wholesaling out of state leads, however, with subj to i would be VERY careful who you sell those to. 

ThanksWhy do you think the city would approve that and how are you planning on getting plumbing in?

I would get an exterminator to take care of it since its a rental and that way they know you are trying to resolve it.

I have loss GOOD TENANTS because they shared a porch with people they did not care for.  

Speak to lenders, have a nice package together: they will want an SREO, your background, your assets/ income etc, they will want your "business plan", your underwriting, your capex breakdown line by line.