It’s important to carefully analyze the numbers to ensure you’re getting a good return on investment.Appreciation: Tallahassee has seen steady appreciation, but it's not as fast-growing as some other Florida markets like Tampa or Orlando.Alternatives NearbyIf you’re finding Tallahassee a bit pricey, consider looking at other nearby markets that might offer better value:Alabama: Cities like Birmingham and Huntsville are close by and can offer more affordable purchase prices with strong rental demand and high ROI potential.

You don't need to "soften the blow" by offering them more free utilities.

I felt that with an all cash offer, I should be able to get better returns in these markets.

The typical issue with SE borrowers with Conventional/Govt loans is that most of the tricks that reduce your taxes also reduce your income, which is what's used to qualify you for the mortgage.

That could scare them into offering something.

You have to go to the zoning board to get it approved but it is typically a formality, unless the neighbors push back it should get approved.

Quontic Bank offers bank statement loans with up to 90% LTV. 

Sit down with a few loan officers and see what they have to offer. 

Most will charge a reasonable annual fee, but think of it as insurance.Lastly, consider just getting more insurance, typically an umbrella policy to cover your entire portfolio, instead of OR in addition to an LLC.Of course, discuss all this with an attorney!

In Louisiana, this process is typically much more lax and I know several people who have succeeded in having homestead exemptions on several properties at once (no idea whether it's legal).