Detroit - much cheaper and with better returns, but plenty of dicey neighborhoods, bad schools, has a lot more boom/bust potential.

However, a conventional loan would be a much cheaper option with better terms. 

I would recommend you look at different markets that are up and coming with cheaper home prices and higher rents.

Richmond, on the other hand, has cheaper prices per room.

The cheaper laminate uses press board under the top layer with does not hold up well to water at all.

Is it smarter to buy a more expensive house with 20% down or a cheaper house with 30% down?

But good fiscal planning is to get rid of debt that isn't producing income (student loans, auto loans, credit card debt, etc) There is always a deal on a house out there and if the situation is correct you can even build your dream home sometimes cheaper than buying, based on where you chose to live.

Leviton are cheaper.

The C class assets that you can buy for cheaper will have better cash flow, but the competition is very high and increasing daily, so you'll have to be prepared to look diligently and patiently.

We really like the envelopes at the below link, but are trying to find a cheaper alternative.