Hi Zach,Your question depends on the zoning of the land you are looking to purchase, if you are zoned Medium Density Residential you need 2000 sq. ft per unit and if you are zoned High Density Residential then you need 1600 sq. ft per unit for 3 stories or less.  

which is best for the money for a medium-end rental property?

It should be a $5 (light), $15 (medium) $25 (heavy) rule for rehab.  

The homeowner wanted to know who was going to pay to get it fixed.A house is a medium to long term investment and should be regarded as such.

Your post led me to do some calculations and also discover this helpful PDF: VA Guaranty Calculation Examples.As it turns out my wife and I can purchase another home with a loan of up to $153,237 with 0% down (enough for a medium sized shed in Miami).

Now I know I need to factor in vacancies, repairs, property management (even though I plan on managing the properties for the near - medium term).

I was happy to come across this post as I am trying to decide whether to start out BRRRRing small (2-4) or medium (~15-30) MFH.

This first deal will be FHA owner occupied, so I'm having to be a little more "aware" of the location..Trying to find a happy medium between a property in decent shape, in a decent neighborhood, and at a price that will cash flow $100/door ...or at least break even...

Something I use at home for small-medium projects:  If paying someone to do it is double the cost of doing it myself, I tend to do it myself.  

My goal in the short and medium term is cash flow and I would appreciate any recommendations for areas to AVOID in Atlanta as well.Thank you all in advance for your help!