Then I have still have to pay the person who was acting as a host even though no one came. 

One thing to note when getting conventional mortgages and spouses.There is a 10 limit per person for conventional financing.You can either do 10 conventional in each person's name which would be 20 mortgages for 2 people or if you do the mortgages jointly, will only allow 10 in total.My thoughts are not to own joint assets until you are both married. 

One person works for a well known home builder. 

I have no personal experience with them but they are the only company I know of that are built more for self managers and small portfolios. 

Hey BP,Looking for some great websites to use to gather information on different markets, especially OOS investing...One of my personal favorites is "City-data.com", which was also suggested to me by a fellow BP investor!

And if they don't deliver, you need a truck and an extra person.  

I've personally found the bulk of my Chicago purchases off the MLS.

I do feel QBO kinda traps you into the system (Like Apple products, haha) becuase it is the "Go-To" for Bookeepers and Accountants.  

I personally interact with each and every guest.

I'm not an loan officer, but I know some banks locally like ORNL Credit Union have offered a 0% down conventional loan product.