I'd also appreciate any insights on the following:* for those who have invested in properties that are out of town or out of state, what challenges did you experience that you perhaps did not expect?  

I know some of the mediocre craigslist photography was a big turn off for me while I was looking for places to rent, so if you're looking to step your photography game up in between tenants in the Florida Keys (prefer upper and middle keys at the moment, but could be willing to travel to the lower keys for the right opportunity), shoot me a message on here.I would also be willing to help with light cleaning if necessary in between tenants.

The off white may be a very light member of the greige camp, but the other two I would call bone and...well, beige and not greige and not tan and not almond (note, I am color challenged but beige can be yellow or pink and while neutral, completely outdated due to undertone...my first and last quart of greige, used as asubtle accent wall, had a disappointing purple undertone.)  

Next step is to dispute the transaction through the credit card company.

This is making financing challenging but not impossible. 

I am currently searching for my first property, but I am finding it a challenge to make it happen within 70% of the ARV(ARV found using the low end of comps).

Now, step #4 (BUYERS)!!!

My concern is if the properties I am financing are involved in a cross collateral agreement that relates the apartment sale, and there is some kind of default, would the bank be able to step in (because their agreement precedes my first trust) and prevail to recover the properties that I have the first trust on?

I mentioned above that in my opinion right now, unless you are extremely talented, experienced and have the time to analyze deals and find markets that are attractive, its getting more challenging.  

I have a lot of goals for my Real Estate Career and I am sure making this post is going to be a step in the right direction!