I have seen videos and read articles about choosing one for rental properties but because of the relatively short investment I'm assuming its not completely the same.One last note I'm from Israel, where the market is pretty expansive, so starting in my back yard is not really an option...I'll appreciate any help i can get!!

If you choose to charge the tenants for the entire cost, they'll eventually find out and rebel.

It is a rental so maintaining the plastic decking will be easier for you and cause less interruptions for your tenants.However, if it is a craftsman style home and you want to maintain that then it may be worth the investment to go with the first option you listed.i personally would choose to maintain the craftsman style of the home. 

Why wouldn't you choose them over someone with a lower score and doesn't even make the income limit?

In the long run, you preserve and grow your capital by choosing markets with strong rent growth and appreciation.

There's typically pretty decent value down there and more inventory to choose from.

Hi,I am a novice investor and am struggling with choosing a viable city to analyze as I currently live in NYC and have no car.

It might be prudent for you to figure in a monetary or other compensatory allowance for yourself since you wish to assume this risk if you choose to leave the asset vulnerable.    

After they sell you the rehabbed property, you can choose to have them do property management for you.

I choose to pursue a career in PM to build the knowledge base and connections needed to be successful in my own investments.