In this case, your GRM and cap rate were so strong, I wonder if they are not in contract OVER their original list price. 

Right now I'm looking to get my start with some wholesailing, mainly focusing on growing a strong network.

What areas would you recommend and what style of housing is a good buy in our market?

Max dti for automated approval through GUS is 47% housing ratio and a 57% back end ratio (and this is pretty much everyone, lenders don't manually underwrite unless there is an automated approval issue) - even then 31% and 43% are just placeholders, HUD allows 37% and 47% by meeting residual income requirements and no further compensating factors on R/E loans, and you can exceed 37% and 47% (most lenders will cap back end at 50%, but you can go to 57%) with strong compensating factors, such as assets.  

I have drawn plans for town house style apartments that can go from a duplex to 12 units.

Additionally, while a precipitous fall in oil prices has had a negative impact on “oil patch” locations, it has effectively increased the spending power of the American consumer.While there are still concerns regarding the overall health of the economy, the current real estate lending environment remains active and strong as a whole.

I have closed 2 deals in the past, and want to build on this experience to develop a strong cash flowing portfolio.  

My strategy is mostly to buy and hold distressed properties that can cash flow because rental market is still very strong.

-Grant H.Photo showing small gap between dwellingsPhoto showing the "connector" inside this small gap between the dwellingsBlue outline: Townhomes/condo style dwellings.Orange outline: Completely separate single-family dwellingsRed outline: Two properties pictured in the first photo above

You may be best served by seeking out a very strong attorney in your local area, here in Virginia, to represent your interests.