These cost are going to very dependent on the area.If I was a betting man I'd say the zoning and permit cost will be more time and energy than financial, but should be taken into factor as holding cost will rise the longer the process takes.

You can put 20% down and avoid the mortgage insurance premium (mortgage insurance for conventional has MANY choices: lender paid with higher rate/ split/ monthly.... and so forth but it is much cheaper than FHA 1.75)Home Ready may have income limits and county limits FICO 620 minimumDifferences are: cost, can you qualify, how the individual regulates your inspections which is lender specific

In the future, we plan to be more conscious about cheap and affordable style choices.

I typically view most cities along I-35 as a safe bet but I was wondering if I had any Hillsboro, Tx investors on here.

If you want to be more in the Denver metro area, then Arvada, Wheat Ridge and Littleton are your surest bets because they're the only cities that currently allow non-owner occupied short-term rentals.

I would bet you a dozen doughnuts you’d get a better net price from Zillow/Opendoor/offerpad than from investors. 

I think I probably could have gotten closer to 2k if I had marketed it more...BUT, I feel confident in my choice...I guess time will tell and i'll keep you posted on here. 

When you get your $140,000 loan you will be paying substantial costs and while you are working on the property you will be paying insurance, property taxes, utilities and I will bet the cost for heating while you are working during the winter will eat up a lot of cash.

With no track record, your extended family are your best bets for some startup funds. 

I am not suggesting you do it yourself but it will help you understand the choices and issues when meeting with your lawyer.