I've noticed that in some smaller counties, there doesn't seem to be much investor activity so it's more reasonable that you can find good deals but $150k strikes me as extreme.

We've had some maintenance concerns, but overall things have gone well, this year!

On the extreme other end of the spectrum (in the no value category) are these wholesale seminar “gurus”.  

When trying to grow, cash flow isn't your concern. 

My concern is if you don't know the lease goes with the property, what other important legal details are you missing.

If he only charged you $1000 for the exterior pain and trim, that seem extremely low unless its a tiny townhome.

There isn't anything structurally wrong with them where I'm concerned about the foundation.

I’ve heard the down payment for an owner occupant can be extremely low, but would I need a parent to be a co-signer?

My experience so far though has been extremely competitive trying to get those properties though, so don't expect to just jump on the MLS and find an easy deal paying way less than market value.

Yes, but we are concerned about ESA dogs, and if a homeowner of a single family house who rented without help of a realtor can refuse ESA dogs.