The plans that are coming out are promising.

My plan is to fully rent out the house I have and house hack the next property while still investing in real estate through other avenues.

I've read quite a bit about the Raleigh Durham area RE market blowing up because of all the corporations that continue plans to move/grow there; the eye catching announcement a while ago being Apple with their 10 year plan of adding a few hundred more employees each year.

Check with your insurance company first - they might have an opinion on what you are planning on doing

I see solid surface kits for $800+ but I’m not wanting to spend that in apartments when I found these 4 tiles for $382.

After repairs I plan to move out possibly owner financing another home and renting out current home.  

It sounds like you got lucky and the process was quick and went according to plan.

---So, learn the neighborhoods where you plan to invest and use Google Streetview to virtually explore them.3) Poor Tenant Screening - they typically can't sell a property until they place a tenant.

I fully plan on 1031-ing every property I ever own as a rental, so I'm not concerned regarding depreciation recapture.

I'll be moving for work on an international relocation in 1 year, and plan to keep my primary residence and rent it out (Assignment will be for 2-3 years).