There are many affordable places still in Canyon county.

Walking the unit now, and me seeing damage might cause frustration on my end, and lead to an emotional reaction. 

Trevor as a fellow Utahan i can understand the frustration that comes with wanting to buy a rental here. 

Get a full application on the co-signor to make sure he can afford the rent then add him to your existing lease as a Co-signor only.

That's nowhere near enough to afford the median priced home in Austin.

I have been looking at buying buy and hold properties out of state in some more affordable markets.

Obviously like you stated, taxes and VA limits will be different for different states and countieswithin those states so looking at what you can afford to live within your means in case of vacancies is a big factor. 

There is a large demand in affordable housing in Frenship and Cooper School districts.

He started off doing that part time while he was working at a W-2 job until he could afford to quit and take care of his family. 

These two incentives combined can add up to $7000+ in move in costs alone never mind first and last months rent.So....considering that most people who can afford $3,000+ dollar apartments usually have good steady jobs, and are not the types of people who let their dogs crap all over their place, eat the woodwork, or otherwise destroy their home, I’m wondering what benefit I really get from having a deposit on hand.