Compared to other services that might offer lower-quality leads or require higher upfront costs/paywalls, Prime Tracers also give you free lead credits on sign up so you can actually see the results before you commit to a purchase.

Not to say you cannot find a deal in many of those states but for a first time investor wanting to be cost efficient it makes little sense to stick to those states.You do have states like Indiana, Ohio, Tenn, Florida, Georgia, Texas that offer higher inventory of home prices even 2-4 unit multifamily that are under $200K.

I've considered areas close to the Falls, but sellers seem to price it a lot higher assuming the buyer can make it up renting it short term. 

as a result I switched to a new company, and I will have to adjust it again to a landlord policy that comes with a slightly higher price tag when I move out. 

If anything, your emergency savings should be significantly higher and you might be over invested right now.  

They are very likely to respond, but keep in mind you can't get dollars from a turnip.My experience is wear and damage are higher with some S8 tenants and not at all with others, just like regular tenants.

@Benjamin Ying The only way to cash flow in the current market is to employ a higher effort strategy like STR, MTR, rent by the room, etc.The "cash flow on paper" properties in stagnant markets or C-D class neighborhoods are probably not the type of places that you want to own long term.

In option 2, your costs are $25k higher.

The down payment might be a little higher, but it will be a much longer-term loan that you won't have to worry about coming up with big payment in month 24 and it'll be amortized over a much longer time period (probably 25-30 years), so the monthly payment could actually be lower. 

Insurance would cover it, I would pay the deductible, and no assets would be lost.If you are in an area like San Diego where people are more likely to sue, a judge is more likely to find you guilty, and the payout is expected to be higher, you may consider an umbrella insurance policy.