But, no matter how low I put the purchase price of the house in this report I still end up upside down with expenses.  

We want to go for another real-estate investment (we are doing buy and hold..buy low, renovate and make them short term rentals on airbnb in Ocean City, Maryland).

I am just purchasing a SFH to start off, the price point is low enough that it won’t break me in a worse case scenario.

When I go to make a deal, I've been out bid (even with my offers, I was stretching because of the low inventory in my area!) 

To me, the NOI and cap rate seem low especially after you take into account a debt payment for the property.

Low interest rate, 30y fixed and 25% down.

They have good income, no judgments or liens and a credit score in the low 600s. 

Online class has a very low probability pass the test.About 50% do not pass 1st time, 35% do not pass 2nd time. 

If you were to choose option one, then I would look into Having a game plan In place that would provide you a similar cash flow as to renting the home out, especially with the likelihood of the property tax being a low amount. 

Rent too low for investment.