I ask because my stamps, printed letters and envelopes are still cheaper than online services.  

Wood would be a bit cheaper but it should have a vapor barrier over it before the stucco is applied, unlike block.If you ever need to run additional wires, cables, plumbing, etc., it's nice to have wood walls rather than block.There are plenty of wood frame homes down here.  

Iv suggested maybe trying a new contractor to see if we could get a better deal, but his response is that at his current hourly wage he's cheaper than we would get anyone else to do it.

The taxes are cheaper and a better school.

After some research, I realized I could get a job at a number of casinos in Florida, where property can be had for much cheaper than here, while rents can still make them cash flow.

Bad" market areas, which a number of people might include South Providence and Olneyville in, tend to be much cheaper, so the returns are better - but properties in those areas also tend to be much more management intensive.If you're going to be managing yourself, which is a very good way to get familiar with an area, I'd say stick within 1/2 hour (ideally 15-20 minutes) of wherever you're going to spend most of your time (home, if you'll be retired).You'll find very quickly that before you know it, you'll probably develop the Rhode Island mindset of not wanting to drive too far, and it's just easier to stay on top of properties when they're closer by.I'm much more familiar with properties in the Warwick/Coventry/West Warwick and north part of the state, so if you know you're going to be centered around Newport I'd suggest connecting with some people specifically around there.

I'm considering folding b/c my husband has an ATL base starting in Nov so he no longer needs to commute to this location for work; AND it seems that our sweet spot niche is souring with a lot of cheaper competition...We did make one house a traditional rental with solid margins but the tenant quality isn't as good versus our niche and it has been a headache.

Cheaper pad is available @Erin Silva

No matter, it would all be cheaper the taking out the slab and lowering the floor or jacking up the house.

I personally feel it depends on your market, but if you shop around and are savvy enough, you may be able to build cheaper.