I hope you continue to learn from everyone on this platform.

I think your best bet is motion sensitive cameras and lights - and if you have a house across the street put them there too so you can get two angles. 

The way I've narrowed it down is by:Gathering data from all 50 states (population growth, median income, crime, price-to-rent, etc.)Filter out states that have rent lawsFilter out blue states (not because of political beliefs but from my understanding they have less rules and regulation and I believe that in the current climate we're in with COVID and all people are going to flock to areas that don't have as much regulation)Highlight states that people retire in more than othersBecause of short-term rental becoming a trending way to invest, filter out states that impose regulation/rules against short-term rentals using platforms like Air BNB, etc.Also, using ZILLOW, I type in my parameters (homes under $125,000, sqft.

Current rates are in the 4's on a 30 year fixed, so not heinous and since you don't qualify for conventional financing, this is your next best bet. 

Best bet might be regional banks.

Full appraisals post pandemic are few weeks out so desk appraisals are your best bet right now.

Your best bet is to find one agent who is a good fit for you, and work with that person exclusively.

I think your best bet for buying foreclosures with a loan is actually buying PRE-foreclosures (Before the auction date).

If you want immediate cash flow CA is not the best bet.

Have others bet on cities like Cleveland, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, etc given the relatively low climate threats in these areas?