So even if you pick a state with stronger protections like WY or DE, the cause of action arose in the state where the tenant fell, so likely that the court where the accident happened would have jurisdiction. 

I am planning to slowly increasing rent this year as the Houston rental market has been stronger. 

Diversity never seems like a bad thing by going with a  few different banks, then again the bank relationship could be stronger if you allow them more of your business.

Having an all cash offer is a much stronger offer and sometimes allows you to offer less as there is no financing contingency.

Doing this you could "house hack" your way into a stronger equity position by renting out rooms, or if that's not your thing, at least you're investing the principle each month into something you own and is likely to appreciate over time. 

Which do you think would be a stronger offer.75k starting offer contingent on financing with 90 day closing.

Think of your future self, and ask yourself, "By me quitting college will I be putting my future self in a stronger position?"

The other idea is that ultimately we would like to 1031 our way into stronger quality assets, but our plan does not take appreciation into account whatsoever.

Landlords face increasingly stronger headwind from the public and from the media and 8 out of 10 times I see a desaster in the evening news it involves an OOS owner.

I would go for an Ohio Housing Financing Agency loan which as grants and interest tax credits for first time homebuyers (that can used for up to a four plex), reducing the down payment to 1% if you really wanted.I am going to guess that Akron is similar to the Toledo market it terms of depreciation over time, and so buying the max you can afford may mean that you will loose the most money when you exit.100k in Toledo can buy a pretty nice duplex / 4-plex in Toledo proper, suburban markets are stronger and so you would get less for your money in terms of cash flow.