@Shaun Palmer I am way late to this conversation but couldn't resist.

Vinyl is more water resistant... 

Also the Rexburg market is hot but I think with the growing student base and recession resistance that that provides warrants the higher prices than other cities in the area.

This would provide me with the path of least resistance in the marketplace, hopefully giving me a leg up. 

Go to drought resistant small plants that grow slow and are native to your area—leave lots of space between so you can put in flowers when staging.Find a small landscaper who owns and works their business with a tight route.

I’ve always enjoyed real estate, construction and renovations but I’m trying to resist the urge to do everything myself hands-on and run this like a remotely operated business.

The ones I have receive resistance because there is no where to add contingencies, like a neighborhood contingency or something of that nature. 

I used conventional financing (I believe the loan was sold to Fannie Mae) with a 25% down payment.This is the first and only property that I own.I am currently looking at purchasing a personal residence (I currently rent), however I have been been met with resistance trying to obtain a loan.My credit profile is excellent, I am looking to put approximately 20% down and I do not need the income from the investment property to qualify (although so far it looks like rent will not be considered so in effect it counts against me).Does anyone have thoughts on how to obtain another loan?

It's quite hardy, one of the cheapest "real" "hardwood" options, and also is resistant to water damage.Avoid Pergo or composite laminates; they break down when wet.

Classic...couldn't resist bumping!