I recommend reaching out to BP support for assistance.Additionally, it might be a good idea to connect with investor-friendly agents during your search.

I don't want to be surprised though as I go to buy additional properties just to have them say that I'm taking on too much debt even though my income can support it so long as I continue taking in rental income.  

Its certainly allowable on FF, but I'd make it crystal clear in your advertising that you are filling rooms in the unit rather than listing the whole space once you've filled a room (or 2 or 3).

As mentioned elsewhere, breakeven on cash flow is not the same as break even for taxes.Let's make some assumptions:Rental income = $1000Mortgage payment = $400 - but $300 is interest and $100 is principalOther expenses (repairs, advertising, utilities, etc) = $600Depreciation = $250The above scenario creates a break even from a cash flow perspective, however the tax scenario looks like this:Rental income minus the mortgage interest (principal is not deductible) minus the other expenses minus depreciation looks like this:1000-300-600-250 = $150 LossIf your income is over $150,000, then you cannot deduct that loss, but you can roll it over to future years. 

Look into local rental demand—perhaps that area can support a short-term or mid-term rental strategy instead of a standard yearly lease, which might boost your income.

There's no way around it'; local economy does not support prices enough even if it's all outsider economy then infrastructure does not support.

South End’s growth should support that play.

Don’t buy more than your job can support. 

My figures are below.TaxDeed Winning Bid: $489.00 (My Bid May 2013)Property Clean-up: $450.00 (mowing, trash removal)Taxes & Insurance: $80.00 (2013 & 2014)Sale Advertising: $130.00 (Signage, Newspaper Ads, etc)Filings & Legal Fees: $245.00 (Deed, Lien Releases, Sales Agreement Docs)Total Costs: $1395 (approx)Sold for: $3250.00 (August 2014)That is better than the 25% I would have received if the property was redeemed during the redemption period.

from what I understand you're not supposed to advertise any deals or promote yourself.There are definitely good to great deals though.