My question is based on the following:lets say you put down 20% on 300K property which is 60k (plus closing costs ) and you are breaking even with you mortgage + other expenses(taxes ,management fees,...) included.

Propstream allows you to pull niche lists of homeowners that are tax delinquent, failed listings, high equity, or even in preforeclosure.

I'm interested in investing in Idaho, but I have zero experience with Idaho taxes (or state income tax at all for that matter).Questions:I've heard that property taxes in Idaho are higher for out of state owners vs. residents (i.e. a house could cost $2K in annual taxes for a resident, but may be $3K for an out-of-state owner).

I would also consider taxes into your situation. 

The suburbs will be higher taxes but generally better schools and higher income tenants.

Can I write off my real estate education costs on my taxes?   

Trying to hold off until after the first of the year for tax purposes.

Location is not an issue as most of them remotely assist RE clients with their tax planning and accounting. 

This would allow you to put 3% down on FHA loan and rent out the others to offset, hopefully cover, your mortgage payment + taxes + insurance. 

Townhome cost about $250/mo (mortgage, tax, insurance,) less.