Basically how do I know the cost taking out a higher percent loan for repairs and then refinancing later back into a regular loan?

Track all you do and review that regularly to help you cut expenses and increase your income.

I wonder if this is a difference in locations or perhaps Section 8 is more long-term, but regular low income is more short-term.Also, SUPPOSEDLY, there is a place on the HUD website where you can find out about how much your place would rent for, but I can't find it. 

I really like the idea that @Michele Fischer has about using a point system and I completely agree that medical bills and regular consumer debt (car payment, credit cards that are not delinquent, etc.) isn't necessarily a reason to deny them automatically, but you want to make sure that they are making their payments on time and aren't up to their eyeballs in debt. 

I have the capital to do a regular down payment on a rental home, but them I am stuck at just owning one.

I expect to need at least one, but the fewer the better, since I've got a regular 9-5.4) Any ideas better than Milwaukee?

Way too much for an investment property.You can use regular laminate plus a bullnose like here: http://diy-laminate-floors.wonderhowto.com/inspira...Not sure what it costs, though.

I believe you can then withdraw it as if it were a regular contribution after 5 years without penalty.  

This way, if something happens, it's always in between where you are going on a regular basis.

Building a "team" of contractors that you hire regularly will also help you save time too...