Looking at investments from the maintenance side of the equation once you own it,  I believe a 3 bedroom, 2 bath one story home on a slab foundation connected to public water and sewer is the perfect rental for buy and holds.  

IMO, FICO scores are so generic that while you can filter out, you may also be throwing the baby out with the water - - missing tenants that are just recovering from messy lives.Before pulling a CR/BG report, I vet the previous landlords, employment and income, thus saving expense for a non-starter.Then, the CR (if you get a real one from Trans Union/Experion) will have all the accounts and their payment histories.  

If we had the highest water costs for example, those are variable and you can manage that better.

It has new a/c unit, water heater, and kitchen.

There will be a luxury outlet retail center that is going to be built on the water in the coming yearAs a Realtor, I can say: Due to Fair Housing laws I am unable to discuss the people of the areas only the property.

I make this very clear when we are sitting on the table signing the lease, of course in a friendly tone (as friendly as you can possibly be when discussing eviction).

I am a chemical engineer in the water treatment community and am currently serving in the Army as an officer.  

You need permits, water, septic all kinds of inspections.Probably a good idea not to go ahead with the tiny home idea for the same reason.

It is pretty rare these days to find a deal in the Decatur, actual city of Decatur area, that is under water, so likely anything you purchase sub-to the existing mortgage could possible have some equity.  

A furnace replacement for $1,800 and a hot water tank replacement for $600.