This home has been highly operational with high rates of occupancy, bringing in anywhere from $500-$1500 a month in overage beyond our monthly expenses.

Ask the people in Florida who now have sky high insurance and mandatory unplanned assessments, how much value having a paid off property is. 

I would say only 1/2 would make it thru their quality check for size and color.  

It's mostly Class A properties, a few Class B.You may find the below copy & paste info useful in addressing your question:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

I feel your pain when it comes to the high cash flow, but low appreciation and potentially high maintenance properties.

The return of cash on cash is really high.

If you follow my advice above you will likely buy quality by default.

Like someone else mentioned, FHA loans are good in low credit and high DTI scenarios, but tend to be less bang for the buck compared against conventional.

Townhomes and condos in areas like Spring Branch, Heights, and Rice Military can see high appreciation rates.

The fee is pretty high for a service that probably was more valuable before the internet.