What part of Kansas the burbs of KC is a safe bet if they are not hosing you on numbers .

The best bet is to get funding from a private investor who trust you. 

I'd bet fixed could be an option, probably with some additional fees/higher rate.Regarding interest rate increases: it's inevitable.

It sounds like paying 1 point to buy down the interest rate would be your best bet in order to meet the DSCR, as it seems the most cost effective strategy for your goal (keep as much cash in the bank).

Find one in your area - I bet you there are several and they’ll more than pay for themselves.

My uncle personally has a few cash flowing rentals that at the time of purchase he got at a good price before major market changes, and even through the overall loss of value in his doors they still maintain a higher growth potential just with the cities intense influx of people, organizations, sports teams ETC...Hope that's in some way helpful!

Yet I'm still too chicken to cash this house out and get an apartment building or something in a cheaper part of the country.Couldn't I hedge my bet though by refinancing $200K or so out to make some Midwest moves?

Wait I bet you will tell them..

It is a safe bet to say between $100-$200 monthly.

And, while a particular elementary school in the Richardson ISD may be a "6", it is still in the Richardson ISD, and you can bet there is substantial effort underway to raise those rankings.