You're still somewhat close to major freeways and close to inside the loop. 

These are your loans that you can apply for at pretty much any major bank or with any loan officer. 

I'd definitely suggest getting a home warranty (~$500) so that your major mechanicals are covered for your first year while you save up some cash to be able to cover them on your own!

This is the first major renovation project that I have done (rehab costs well over $100K).

Right now we are open to any advice on markets but have been doing the majority of our research on Dayton, Memphis and Birmingham.  

If I may ask for some additional clarification, are you saying that my new residence that I'll purchase (or build) needs to have an investment component in order for me not to have to pay capital gains taxes from the sale of my current investment property?

That is how the vast majority of people wind up with rental property.

He did do major upgrades on the properties BUT I’m not crazy!

Get a nice flat blade steel chisel and you should be able to get the majority of the mud off.

I'm not sure if it's a major concern or just something I'd have to deal with over the years.