These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

If the tenant looks good in every respect except for credit, then you can mitigate the risk by collecting additional rent up front.Just be careful you aren't lowering your standards every time someone waves cash in your face.

I was exploring San Antonio recently and trying to understand that market more as compared to Dallas Fort Worth where I see reduction in monthly cash flow and depleting overall returns as of now (tons of rental inventory there)

If so, can additional funds be brought to the table to fund the new property's down payment?

I deal a lot with investors in my area and I also invest myself, its a great way to make additional money. 

I ultimately chose to explore out of state investing and settled on the Ohio markets.

That is the most basic analysis of CRE MF, and if it passes those and seem like a go, I would then explore more information and do a deeper analysis.

I tend to agree with the people preaching equity early on, especially if it's your primary residence.If you choose to go the cash flow route, explore DSCR loans that are based on a property's performance rather than your DTI.

I've explored the idea of house hacking but I live in Austin, TX and the prices here are so high that it's been turning me off to that idea.

Then if he continues to bug you, bring up the driveway and ask if he wants to go down the route of the fence then you'll explore the driveway issue at the same time.