Not too low either, you don't want to go with someone who is just focused on price as this is a quality of a not-so-great accountant.

It was considered low class back then.

I am a newer real estate agent who has fantastic credit and about $80K in savings.

What is the credit score looking like ? 

Looking to acquire (initially) small, 2-4 properties outside of CA; focus on low-tax, high growth markets (e.g.

The market here is extremely difficult to enter due to cash offers and low inventory.

If you can definitively prove that the seller intended to deceive you about the square footage for their personal gain, you may be able to take legal action, but probably low chance of success considering you had ample opportunity to measure the home or get an appraisal with measurements prior to closing, and had your chance to negotiate the price based on square footage and all other factors prior to closing. 

So don't ask - just do a National Screen on all applicants from an independent source - and let your minimum credit score criteria be the reason for non-acceptance. 

The first unit has ~75% occupancy but mostly because I take it off for a few weeks in low season to go through everything, fresh paint, etc.  

Make sure you carefully evaluate the credit quality of this tenant prior to leasing to them.