., by saying you "currently have $100k equity", I hope you don't mean (for example), we only owe $300k, for our home that's worth $400k? 

So for example my first ever purchase was a duplex i bought for $16,000 and had $21,000 all into and rented each side for $650 and really it payed for it self over the 3 year period.

Do a couple of math examples and compare your rate of return, factor in potential appreciation (its a bonus but dont let it rule your decision making process) for example house A costs 100k brings a 8% annual ROIHouse B costs 50k but brings a 11% ROIthen the answer becomes obvious, you want to deploy 100k into 2 of house B.

It is true they do 500 FICOs and 90% LTV and recent foreclosure, but they don't do 90% LTV and 500 FICO and recent foreclosure  at the same time, for example. 500 FICO due to recent foreclosure... you're looking at 70% LTV.

For example there is some cool development going on in the south part of that zip code, but other areas are rough.Let me know if I can be of any other help.  

For example, would the best strategy be apply as many deductions as possible while still showing that I am earning enough to cover monthly mortgage payment on each property? 

There is only alley access to it because it is a row home so nothing big like a boat or car for example could get to it. 

So, if I were to say that "Wells Fargo" (for example) is a good option, that would be a general statement but not necessarily 100% since it would really depend on how sharp the banker sitting across the desk from you in your particular branch is.Solera is a great option. 

Depending on the county you are interested in they might have examples online, if not you can call the clerks office downtown and they will have someone that can walk you through the site. 

A good example is in New Orleans (a MSA where I invest).