Another way to increase cashflow is to change the layout of the house in a manner that boosts the rent potential of the property--for instance, by adding another br/ba, converting a garage to a master suite, creating a 2nd unit in a basement, etc....

A lender should have the ability to do a Rapid Rescore if it will help boost your scores.

Thank you for the boost of confidence.

The very tight supply now has had a dramatic impact on pricing.  

I think most folks are getting into STR's in an effort to boost returns.

Like most military cities, when the base grows, so does the immediate surrounding areas, as local economy is boosted by the military.

When not utilized, it dramatically limits you.Interest is tax deductible and the tenants pay the mortgage.

I know seller financing rules are changing dramatically.

I've experienced that people tend to scale back on their vacation plans during recessions but that can often mean a boost in vacations that are less lavish and closer to home. 

The learning curve is dramatic, and you are going to learn A TON on your first property.