It'd be nice if i could remove a layer of variables from the purchasing process.Thanks!

You may have to get new tenants as long term tenants can be a PITA.There are however far more variables to consider.

Inspection cost-  Call an inspection company and askLender fees-Ask your lenderClosing cost-This is not a fixed cost, transfer taxes and title insurance are variable based on the transaction cost, transfer taxes are $4.56 per thousand of the purchase price on the deed, negotiable as to who pays it. 

Hey gang,    So this is sort of a tough question, or a loaded question, or whatever we call it, because of all the variables.

So, to figure out your maximum allowable offer (MAO) for the land you would back it out:ARV-Construction costs-soft costs-required profit-wholesaler fee=MAO$300,000-$150,000-$36,000-$36,000-$10,000=$68,000 is your MAOObviously there are a lot of variables here and they will be much different in your market than here in Boston but you get the idea.  

Properties are generally much cheaper relative to the rent they pull in, than in NY.3) Lower fixed costs - lower real estate taxes for starters relative to your rent roll, etc.4) Lower variable costs - labor is A LOT cheaper here.  5) Less stringent code enforcement.6) Less maintenance - milder weather, and younger average age of homes make for less maintenance.   7) Diversification - low entry price to buy property allows and investor to manage risk by buying properties in different neighborhoods instead of putting more eggs in one basket.In additional to the benefits I listed above the city is growing so fast that homes rent very quickly, often times before the sale of the home.  

Would you happen to know if property taxes have a cap the way variable mortgage APRs do?

Some variables I've decided on are that we would prefer buy-and-hold investing, to rent out, and that we will continue working with average combined salaries around 80-90k/year, and am open to beginning with a duplex to get the whole house-hacking ball rolling.

Some variables I've decided on are that we would prefer buy-and-hold investing, to rent out, and that we will continue working with average combined salaries around 80-90k/year, and am open to beginning with a duplex to get the whole house-hacking ball rolling.

Obviously you'd use property management at, we'll assume 10%, so another $120 p/m, now we're at $865, and then stick away another 10-12% for CapEx and repairs, so call that $140, now we're at $1,005, but there's still a few variables.