This should narrow your search to only a few states.Each state as a limited number of viable cities since you need only look at cities that are sufficiently large so that there is a stable (and growing) population.

Is market rent sufficient, or should you shoot for more or less, and why?

The important thing is we now have choices. 

That's an excellent choice for your first property.

There are a lot of "accidental" landlords (like myself) who bought in 2005-2007 who now have no choice but to rent out their properties, so you are bound to find someone.

I watched him at that job off and on, and really thought he would make a good worker for us. 2 years of of watching didn't help me make a good choice.  

So, if you want 30 year fixed, owning it in your own name is the only choice.

State it as an option where they can see the pet and you are compensated for the pet trouble.If they balk, it was their choice.

Propertyware is my second choice.

I would personally recommend getting a first choice property manager and having a back up one as well.