It is a heavily visited area, but I believe it has become one of the more saturated markets this year.

I like them both, in general, but the best way to find a town to invest in outside of where you live if it's not affordable and if you don't want to be withing driving distance easily (recommended) is to make two lists:1. every town you have ever lived in or visited for more than a month2. every town your closest friends and family live (the ones you like)Then you take those two lists and see where they overlap with the data or lists you are using.

The home buying process typically follows these key steps:Assess Your Finances: Review your credit score, savings, and determine how much you can afford for a down payment and monthly mortgage payments.Get Pre-Approved for a Loan: Work with a lender to get pre-approved, which gives you a clear budget and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.Find a Real Estate Agent: Partner with an experienced agent who knows the local market and can guide you through the process.Search for Homes: Browse listings and visit properties that fit your criteria (location, size, price, etc.).Make an Offer: When you find a home you like, submit an offer through your agent, including contingencies (financing, inspections, etc.).Home Inspection & Appraisal: Once the offer is accepted, hire an inspector to ensure the home’s condition and the lender will order an appraisal to verify the property’s value.Secure Financing: Finalize your mortgage by submitting required documents and ensuring the lender clears you for closing.Closing: Sign the final paperwork, pay closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home!

The issue with RUBS is that it is fluid and it hinges on the # of occupants and this poses issues: 1) A child uses less than an adult; 2) a worker from home uses more than one that drives to work; 3) A couple may have a child during tenancy which they fail to divulge; 4) friends and family may visit for a few days during holidays.... etc. etc. etc.  --- and... these issues become issues for the other Tenant and then turns you into the constant 'utility police' because you constantly have to monitor # of occupants... eww. 50/50 is simple and simply understood and 100% while vacant is also simply understood.

My goal is to narrow down to 3-4 markets, set up some appointments with investor-friendly realtors ahead of time and visit each market in person.

Ahead of schedule on inventory, short term pain for long term gain.

Congrats on getting the offer accepted, and it’s awesome you’re thinking ahead about structuring the ownership in an LLC.

I do visit areas of Maine frequently such as Bethel and Ellsworth  

Tbh, if its really that critical to their argument I would just pay an appraiser for a limited scope appraisal which in my area runs about half price because they don't need to visit the property to do it. 

On the lender ask them for a non binding term sheet so you can see their math ahead of time.