There are a lot of safeguards put in place since the housing crash to keep lenders and agents from influencing appraisers too much, but there are definitely things that can be done in order to hit your numbers.Can I ask why you specifically want to use FHA?

I know that jobs, population growth of high income demographics, permit & land restriction, warmer weather with a good lifestyle, all have an influence in faster capital appreciation in real estate. 

Ultimately, our goal would be to purchase another home down the line for ourselves, and keep this house, renting out top & bottom (upstairs would be a 2 bedroom unit) for a constant boost in monthly cash flow.Does anyone have any words of wisdom they would be willing to offer, recommendations when it comes to the renovations, or any feedback in general when it comes to doing something like this?

I'm trying to weigh the benefit of having a number of properties in one area and spending the time and money to lobby in that area to maintain my short-term rental rights.......versus diversifying across a number of markets, and having no influence on policy but having a diversity of areas so as to dilute the impact of on area changing it's policies on my portfolio as a whole.

If there is a significant rate decrease, it will be because the economy is struggling and needs the boost that lower rates can provide.

I choose things that don't cost too much that I can add to the property, which will boost the house into the next higher tier. 

.- Limited personal involvement and liability: You're more of a passive investor and you liable for just your investment amount.Cons:- Limited control: You have limited influence on the project and property management decisions.- Fees: Crowdfunding platforms often charge fees, which can impact your overall returns.- Market Risk: Real estate markets can be unpredictable, affecting the success of the project and the potential returns for investors.What have been your experiences with these methods?

This would boost your likelihood of hitting stronger cashflow.  

Your choice of financing will indeed impact your down payment requirements and cash for closing, and it will influence the areas that make the most sense for your investment strategy.In a nutshell, it's best to advise on what location would work once you explore or lock down your lending type.

.- Maximize rents and add value to boost the building value.- Educate yourself in the commercial work, start networking with investors and brokers.