It has a lower rate, similar to that of a primary, and once acquired, I can do whatever I want with it, including rent it out should I choose to. 

They could be so annoyed they choose not to deal with you ever.

Take your time choosing.

A good property manager is key, but that holds true wherever you choose to live.

It was extremely hard because when I put him down for a nap all I want to do is sit on the couch and stare at the wall for an hour.I ended up putting him in daycare, which was hard, but like you, I had to choose to go all in on real estate or continue to struggle.

It does not matter whether you choose SFH, MFH, mobile homes, strip malls, or hotels...the true determination of your success is how well you know your strategy and your area.Having said that, I would recommend examining your motivations for SFH.

Someone can't pay their mortgage, so the bank claims it back as a forclosure, it get's auctioned out to then be put back on the market by who ever bought it out (if they so choose to sell).  

Also something to remember is if you do not have a policy written down and you "Pick and Choose" in the eye of the tenant you could be sued for a Fair Housing / Discrimination Lawsuit.. always put it in writing and treat every prospect identical...

I'd also encourage you to choose a strategy and learn what you need to take the first step and then take it as opposed to trying to learn everything about REI all at once.

If I can choose between a landlord-friendly state and a tenant-friendly state, well, that answer is obvious.