Hello all,I understand that opinions may vary and depend on goals and circumstances but I just wanted to hear some experienced local investors weigh in on a first rental property investment in Florence vs Beaufort SC?

Sometimes different title insurers have different underwriting standards and one may agree to insure while another may not under the same circumstances. 

I think you might put yourself up to legal risk from the family once they find out they aren't getting the house and take you to court for them singing under duress or another circumstance where they were not of right mind. 

Can I still get a mortgage loan to purchase real estate under these circumstances?

I am happy with both and they have been in operation for multiple decades so your mind is at ease working with these groups.Due to unforeseen circumstances I am actually looking to sell one, if you interested PM me:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/517/topics/1194691-equity-shares-available-houston-and-atlanta-multifamily-portfolios

Different circumstances, different economies, different geographical areas and different players all have tremendous influence on the success or failure of a strategy , or tactic.  

I find that its different for me each time because of various other circumstances of my financials. 

I leaned doing business in Texas everyone surveys before closing. out in the west we rarely do that unless its acreage or some other special circumstances we simply would not have enough surveyors to keep up with resi transactions in a timely manner.. but I can see in Texas were the land use rules and no building codes or lax ones and no licenses required years ago.. that you need to do this.. you opened my eyes on that one. 

I have done all of the those, based on the circumstances.I also can't count the number of times in mandatory training / continuing education that I was told that we were never, ever, under any circumstances to discuss setting "standard" commissions with other agents. 

Plus you are married and under these circumstances the underwriter would ask why and ask for a divorce decree or reason for separation.