I've heard add 1-2% to your current rate, but it seems I could do a little more than that and it still be an attractive deal for the buyer.Also, I would like to find a loan processing company to deal w/ the payments & record keeping.

We have an event this Saturday Feb 12, 2022, you can check out the Bigger Pockets page for it here:https://www.biggerpockets.com/...The group's page on Meetup.com is at:https://www.meetup.com/real-es...There is a $5.00 contribution which you can do in cash at the meeting as well, it doesn't come close to covering the cost of the space but I may be able to get another space shortly. 

I currently have eight out-of-state investor clients that I've worked with in the past (some on more than one purchase) and they were all attracted to the Lansing, MI area for it's affordability and steady cashflow. 

The one that's short term and don't cost me a lot to initiate/originate.

Staging your house well can help you attract more attention from buyers, which ultimately helps it sell faster and maybe for a higher price than an unstaged home (see visual):What Are My Staging Options?

Additionally, the beach is still within reach...just a short 1 hour flight or 6 hour drive.  

On the other, the prospect of short-selling the homes didnt look so awesome either.

The challenge is that non-government jobs are often short-lived.

I have looked into the Pittsburgh market and have been there before, but just once for a short trip.

Is that due to taking a short term loan for repairs?