An 80% occupancy rate indicates low demand. 

I am trying to get my RE License and I am currently enrolled in AYPO Real estate course.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Bankrate, the big perks of an FHA home loan are:Lower Down Payments: They typically require a smaller down payment than conventional loans, sometimes as low as 3.5% of the home’s purchase price.Lower Credit Score Requirements: They’re designed to help buyers with credit scores that might not qualify for conventional financing.

You can use HML don't get me wrong but if you just put a little bit effort in to pre-planning and getting all your ducks in a row then going with a traditional community bank would be a better option not only for your current new construction needs but also for future acquisitions.

To get a rough ballpark, sure, but sometimes you'll be way, way off like we've seen with the iBuyers who it turns out were too smart for their own good and ended up buying high and selling low due to to relying on data and not actual organic, boots on the ground experience pulling accurate comps like an appraiser or realtor who knows the market on not just a block by block or street by street but a house by house level.

Looking for input from anyone currently investing in that area

The city also benefits from a relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities, attracting both renters and investors.

I'll be following this one close as we are currently evaluating possibilities.

It should be relatively straightforward to begin discussing the goal-setting and planning process necessary to begin transitioning from current state to future state. 

Rents are generally low there as well, but definitely stable.