@Kathleen McCabe  The NAR Code of Ethics states that if another Realtor (member of NAR) asks if we have other offers, we must answer that question, but not reveal the amount or terms.When representing a seller, I've found it to be beneficial as it encourages other buyers to sharpen their pencils - although I've had some cases where the existence of competing offers causes a buyer to back away.My goal is to get at least two offers, regardless of how bad they are. 

Not impossible, but you're competing with Cash offers...something like 1/3 of the purchases in DFW are cash, and also other investors using 20-25% down....so it's tricky.Thanks for your service and don't give up.   

The only factors that matters are the numbers and making sure you have reliable competent local people to do the work.

There are pro-sumer type of companies (which basically target residential home buyer and sellers and are not uncomfortable with investors) like SafeCo and Foremost, and then there are some pro-grade insurance carriers that would be good to pivot into once you've reached a certain critical mass.I'd recommend getting in touch with an insurance broker who is a competent investor themselves. 

Frankly, I’d be curious to hear the answers they’d give you.As far as how to structure the lease, sorry, I can’t help you but there are several players in that game who sell there how-to guides.

I have always liked our niche, but I don’t think long term masses of people are going to pay up to live in rural minnesota, and the suburbs will always have to compete with the newest school and the cost to build 10 minutes farther out.  

You will be competing with major wholesaling, fix & flip companies in every state, people who spend 10's of thousands on marketing monthly. and have full time cold callers and people who specifically drive for dollars. 

Great time to be a competent contractor in my area, the phones are ringing off the hook for these crews. 

Due to the aforementioned non compete I do not want to publicly air more details than necessary.

I would love to compete for your business.