Even with house hacking with a lower down payment (which I am not sure would work if I get a studio size condo), I would still need to pay more out of pocket than what I would pay renting (I can get rent by splitting a studio with a friend for about $1200/month).

The size of your rental operation is one of the factors in this determination. 

•Which unit size would rent faster and have higher demand in this area?

I'm looking locally to start out (mid size city in North Carolina) - is the answer a different market?

I introduced them to a mid-sized brokerage in the area (from what I’ve heard, they’re picking up steam) who specialized in finding off-market opportunities that don’t get plastered all over Zillow.

Maybe offer to pay a portion of the balance contingent on completing the work or signing a waiver to avoid the lien.

Highlight nearby conveniences and any neighborhood growth to attract interest.Focus on framing the size as a bonus that buyers get more space and value for their money compared to smaller homes.

Some of our deals produce out size returns, but most are in the mid teens.  

Casper’s not exactly the size of a big metro, but what it lacks in sprawl, it can make up for in the right kind of value if you’re patient.

So, our PM company charges a sliding scale of between 5-20% based on the size of the repair (more expensive means they charge less as a percentage.)