From there you can drill down on properties that would be in your range and use the platforms like Airbnb to check on the health etc. 

I’d struggle to come up with the 3.5-5% down on an fha or other low down options. 

My tenants are still paying down my mortgages.

You are heading in the right direction to get the financing options laid out and then find the deal so you can pull the trigger for the right one.As far as HML options be sure you get all the details before signing anything . . interest rate, payment terms, what if you need to extend, points up front, etc

There's the down payment, the closing costs AND the delta between what's left on the loan and their offered price.AND don't forget the time involved to assume the loan.

House hacking helps you grow wealth and cut down on your home loan costs by letting others live in your place.

I'm not sure if you had other questions, but it looks like you are struggling with the down payment?

I introduced myself and told her that I live just a couple houses down from her.

I'm wondering if there is a typical amount to put down as earnest money?

I'm learning to be very data driven and have been doing my research/market analysis trying to narrow down where I want to invest.