I can provide more specific info into how the numbers will work for me if needed.Any tips, info, warnings, or other things I should know?

If you're having problems with a specific lender saying it's impossible or can't be done, that means that either a) the lender doesn't keep up on guidelines, or b) they have overlays.

I think more than anything else that bums me out is that these properties were bought well and promised to have good profit margins, but due to my own laziness my lunch got eaten by someone else.

PM me if you'd like more information and I can discuss the area, specific properties.  

If you are not already using software specific for property management, you most likely will someday (because traditional or manual accounting is a terrible time sink for landlords).

I'm not cashflow in currently, but as soon as I move out and rent the one I'm living in, I'll have a decent margin for my first deal. 

If you're making a 10% profit, your marginal tax rate will determine how much of this is really tax advantaged.  

Specifically the Ft.

If at all possible, I would love to meet up with you over coffee to pick your brain on REI in general and specifically what you look for in the Columbia area.I'm looking to buy my 3rd investment property in the next 2-3 months so I'm starting the searching process soon.

Email for a more specific answer.