Additionally, you can charge them a pet deposit and pet rent, as well as call it out specifically in the lease in the additional notes section (i.e.

I have been reading Long Distance Real Estate Investing - David Greene, and came across an interesting tidbit of information: Your first 10 (1-4, 5-10) property loans are Fanny Mae insured, after which your loan criteria become more unfavorable (variable rates, stricter credit score requirements etc.).

Speaking with a local real estate expert, particularly one who has knowledge with VA loans, can help you receive information that is specific to your case and the status of the market.

Connect with some of those Nashville and Tennessee Facebook investor groups and ask this question there since it's so market specific.

Even then, OOS REI will come with some significant challenges...Specifically, one of the MANY reasons OOS REI is so difficult (esp. for beginners) is that it requires you to assemble, manage, and incentivize a team of people you'll be completely reliant on from hundreds of miles away (sometimes without even meeting those people face to face).

This could be through finding ways to increase the rent on your existing properties, taking on additional work, or finding other income streams.Reducing your current debt levels can also improve your DTI ratio.Improve Your Credit Score.Look into various financial institutions, including community banks, credit unions, and online lenders, which may have different criteria or offer programs for investors.Since portfolio lenders retain their loans in their own portfolios rather than selling them on the secondary market, they are able to provide greater flexibility.

Are there other markets I should consider based on my criteria?

Are you talking about buying a big complex and making it specifically rented to section 8 tenants, or are you just wanting some guidance for single family house being rented by a section 8 tenant? 

Would like to get honest opinions on where I should get myself looking- as specific as possible as far as towns. 

Set a goal to analyze a few deals a day and establish your buy criteria.