The migrant farm worker program works fairly well.

Even in a lower priced investment property, like a small SFR, what does the investor without a contingency fund do when say the ac or a furnace need replacement?  

Of those two, I actually like the first one better because you have a competitive advantage to that market and the amenities you could provide.

I feel like you've been given some awful advice in this thread.Husband and wife were both tenants.

Also lender and banks should have confirmation during purchase as well as appraiser 

It sounds like you have a great background for investing as well as assisting other real estate investors in buying suitable real estate. 

I have an idea of an initial investment and returns I would like to hit, but would love to speak with those of actual experience to see if my numbers are realistic.

Like someone else said very well, invest inopportunities, not in a particularasset or strategy.

If you have a lot of family in OK, that can be a great place to start assessing since you have dedicated boots on the ground, as well as a reason to visit.Don't overthink the analyzing of markets when you are still figuring things out.

But a really good property, for what you can afford, in a good location like Charleston and wait.