Any help from the community to find the right middle ground would be appreciated.- With these subjects in mind (tenant screening/advertising), how much should I set aside in annual cost?

A truly self-directed Solo 401k plan would be more advantageous compared to self-directed IRA (one of the benefits is the ability to contribute 10 time more than into an IRA up to $55,000/yr, again from earned self-employment income only), however it is not for everyone.

Many areas have home stead exemptions that can significantly lower the rate. so what current owner is paying may not be what you will be paying.Also what is the valuation the taxes were figured against compared to new sales price. those taxes could raise significantlyYour insure estimate would be extremely low compared to my area in Georgia.

3)  What good information material would you recommend to compare all the markets state to state?

You'd certainly need boots on the ground and a way to find the off-market deals.

My advice is to do a little research, and make sure the unit is not installed on the ground where it could get buried in snow. 

A general ballpark range is good enough.2) recos for good, inexpensive companies for this job.If all goes as planned, I hope to break ground by the end of the month.Thanks,Randy

I am excited to hit the ground running and provide top-notch customer service in a field that I truly have a passion for.

Its currently occupied and the rent being charged is way lower than comparable houses in the area.

Curious - what's the best way to compare rates for jumbo loans?