I think that Hospitable or something similar would make your life a lot easier, in addition to pricelabs for dynamic pricing software.

It's our goal now to start purchasing additional buy and hold properties, but still consider ourselves newbies when it comes to investing. 

If they go out I can raise rents to still below market a little for a good deal to a tenant but after my lease up expenses still have additional equity and value to show for it.I shake my head at buyers buying Popeyes with some small franchisee that is 6.2 cap rate versus national grade credit at 5.9 cap and that Popeyes paying market rent.

Additionally, I aim to build my network and finding other investors, property managers, agents, and wholesalers in middle Tennessee or other areas in which I might one day invest.

Put these up as additional collateral with the lender.  

To piggyback off others, this is not a sound plan unless you explore house hacking opportunities.

Does anyone have any suggestions for additional methods of securing the place?

Additionally, there is a powder room adjacent to the living room.I am keen to understand the market desirability and rental potential of such a layout.

Additionally, Blue Ribbon Homes includes a property management team explicitly designed to handle my portfolio and is now offering a range of services to other investors.

.- $968 difference paid out over 12 months would be $80.60 per month MORE.The mortgage company is claiming that I owe $3,000 MORE in escrow and is charging me an additional $250 per month.I checked with them and I've NEVER missed a payment and have been up to date this whole time.They say its not a mistake but couldn't explain why I owed $3000 more instead of $968 more for the year.Am I missing something?