Feel free to DM when you're making the move here and we can connect and get you on a consultation call to hone in what your options would be!

as a single property owner, do not want to pay full price as there may not much of need of reports, looking for state specific lease and ACH/Zelle/paypal kind of payment options for application fee and Rent collection. any recommendation on which plan would be best?

If you do use RTA cabinets take the extra step and glue all joints.

"Thank you for your application, we have decided to rent to somebody else".Why is this not an option?

I've been in a similar situation and found a few great options that integrate with QuickBooks Online:Stessa: Seamless integration with QuickBooks, real-time visibility, plus historical P&L, cash flow, and return on equity.

Try to narrow down your options to the top 3-4.

The one thing I will do to my units to make them more attractive to tenants is I will spend a little bit extra to put in slightly (but not extravagantly) nicer finishes ... things like brushed nickle hardware instead of brass or chrome, laminate floors instead of carpets, etc. and keep my units in good condition ... therefore, even if I charge market rent it is a good deal since my units have slightly nicer finishes ... if I take pride in my units and they are in good locations, then I find it will attract quality tenants who will also take care of my units, and no they do not leave when I raise rents up to the max the market will bear.

They will come up with similar options anyway. 

I guess what I'm getting at is it seems like our options are either bite the bullet in our next primary residence where we are currently located, understanding the future opportunity to rent for cash flow looks pretty bleak, or look in other states where we would have more buying power and try to find a duplex or sfh that will cash flow off the bat. 

If you want to buy a home and live in it for a few years before renting it out, I will look at low-money down conventional/FHA options; if you cannot qualify conventionally with your DTI, I would look at DSCR loans.