Just google the following: - special assessment - zombie condos - Florida condos (look for recent news)Since you are not living near the properties anyways, why not look in a landlord friendly state where the purchase prices are lower?

There is low inventory, lower sales volume, and high interest rates, and as a result many people are sitting on the sidelines, either intentionally or forced.

But occasionally we have issues and tenants need to be asked to leave or just decide to disappear in the middle of winter and it sucks.The worst part is I find the quality of tenant interested or willing to move this time of year isn't the greatest either - often times there is a reason they have to move right now since most landlords don't like ending leases this time of year.Either lower your rent or just hang in there.

The income amounts look to be long-term rental (which they are and came in 30% lower than what the STR average did) and 2. why did the appraiser look at homes 20 miles away to compare to when there are PLENTY of rentals in town...

Some that may be higher returns but require more focus/effort from you and then some more hands strategies that can offset what you are doing but are lower risk, more steady returns. 

I’d stick to Franklin, Clayton, Westminster, hayesville, Bryson city I'd also add Brevard and Waynesville to this list if you are looking for lower-cost options.

I knew that was not true because I had paid $780 a couple months before on a property in the same area and also my realtor told me that her clients had been paying that lower rate.

As others have suggested, you could get a conventional or FHA loan if you want lower down payment options.

Some areas will have lower cap rate but higher appreciation and some will have higher cash flow but lower appreciation. 

Getting a loan to payoff another loan with a lower interest rate doesn't make any sense. we do private lending and can get double digits returns consistently.