Hello,There are a lot of variables.

Anyone have some thoughts on companies in the area? 

DSCR loan, bank statement loan, Seller finance, etc.. there are a lot of ways you can secure the property without needing input from DTI.

Will a property cash flow day 1, maybe not unless it has a huge down payment but if your goal is to hold it for 15+ years you should not lose out, especially if its in a good area (which goes back to location location location). 

I knew I could easily find tenants/roommates as the area is popular for young adults.

I've always wanted to buy duplexes/triplexes in the area and hold as rental properties.

If you think it is a great house in an upcoming area, you could offer a bit below market value as long as your cash flow numbers work.

Hire a realtor with experience leasing in the area.

I learned that in order for my investing business to be successful I needed three important ingredients: (1) Money (2) Quality contractors (3) Off market properties.That led me to concentrated on finding deals that the numbers worked within, even with rates at 12%+ and up to 4 points for short-term money, and in areas where quality contractors wanted to do work.

Yeah hard to make deals work now but there are a few out there.