I just recently found out that my company is closing mid summer.

I have trouble believing that.They say you should start as close to home as possible, so you can attend sales and size up properties yourself.

I was awarded close to $5k in tenant damages and back rent during the court hearing.

Thanks I know, I am late to this post, but I am close to the Nashville TN area.

It is not close.  

DSCR offers a (No prepay, 1 year, 2 year, 3 year and jumps to 5 years) The longer the prepay the lower rate so match the prepay year up to when you think you might sell or refinance again.DSCR also allows you to close in an LLC and in some cases will offer a lower rate.

Usually investment properties will want a 20-30% down payment in addition to closing costs, so it's not going to be a good idea in your current state.

It's also close to Quebec/Montreal.

Sellers can contribute up to 6% towards allowable closing costs.  2. 

IE its a very bad idea to attempt rent by the room with close neighbors, or in a nicer HOA neighborhood where tenants are seen walking streets to the bus/mass transit.