@Susan ManeckI think a lender asking for leases and proof of rent payments is normal if that income is what they’re basing their approval on.

Concurrently, I want to learn about financing sources and options beyond the norm.

One of my tenants in my saint clair property is interested in purchasing the property so we're reviewing our options to make that work.

My other option to house hack is Pittsburgh as I have family there but the property taxes are insane and it seems like the room rental market is very college oriented (I could be wrong.)I'd appreciate any feedback on Hagerstown and househacking. 

House hacking is an option and I would recommend a multifamily in a high rent area.

My next best option would be a 2 bdr condo (for cheaper price + condo fee), which are also a little older, but in better locations of Fairfax county.   

@Ben Halloran I use a service, [email protected], which lists the names and addresses of deceased property owners, based on obituary filings, which preceed the probate publications by weeks or months. 

If they report to the credit bureaus it will affect your DTI as your DTI is calculated based on what's on your credit report compared to your income.

It's antiquated at this point and I'd be leery toward anyone pitching properties based on this metric.Do deals still work?

Based on national averages, the home should rent for $1,500 or more.If you don't keep up with market rates you will attract lower-quality renters, you won't have money to make major repairs, and you'll eventually get behind on maintaining the property, which means it will appreciate slower, attract worse renters, rent for lower rates, etc.