However, you can consider buying in cash at a discount, then taking a mortgage and continuing to repeat this process until you have multiple homes.

Next time, ensure you get a lien for the loan so history doesn’t repeat itself.The sad thing is that you might never want to be a lender to the honest investors out there.

I usually like to do things on my own, but it seems like this is more to stick with the successful "herd" or people who have had repeated successful investments.

Since I only make decent money during the summer do you think that would affect me getting a loan?

Buy, Delay, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat. 

There are other factors as well like condo fees, taxes, etc. which will affect your bottom line.

As in whether or not they affect the passing rate?

After one year you can repeat this process, and rents will likely be higher which will allow you to fully rent out that home and purchase another as a primary residence. 

I am looking for if you were comparing these two what would make you lean one way or the other- ex. how much does the good vs not-so great school zone affect you when looking for quality tenants, vacancy rates, CapEx on a 2000 build vs 2017, etc.

Given you’re investing in small towns you will likely be less affected by any downturn.