In the mountains I imagine it is a hot tub, views etc.Using a tool like AirDNa can cut down on research time sifting through listings and gives you a better idea of occupancy. 

The main variable that jacks up the assessment value is the household income of every neighborhood you find those lots in, I’ve seen lots in low income areas that had a much lower acreage value.

The current area we are living in is very expensive and is heavily deed restricted"....sounds like you're currently in a HOT area. 

We continued the install because it was really Hot and we didnt want the seller to be without AC.

We estimate that we need roughly 9 more properties that generate $300 / month in cash flow to meet this goal.Currently, we are a single-income household.

We have a chronic housing shortage, which results in an extremely hot rental market, but it also makes buying very competitive.

Household formations are the primary driver.

Another friend's hot tub has been out of commission for over a month while he awaits a hot tub repairman.

The voucher would take the place of the income requirement, for example our criteria is 3 times the rent as gross household income.

Yes, we could consider the nearby metro, which is Hot Springs.