This might throw a wrench into the mix because the seller will end up making less money.

I have one LTR that I do plan to leverage to purchase my next property, but I am really looking to find hard money lenders/investors to help fund future deals.

I like Champaign-Urbana a bit more, but the thoughts above still ring true (and property taxes are a real headwind to appreciation).

(I heard that 1% - 2% of the purchase price is ideal).Where does the earnest money go, when all is said and done?

.- If someone sues the tenant for monetary damages for some other reason, and they haven't done anything illegal, their Renters Insurance puts Insurance carrier money on the table and the landlord doesn't need to be involved.- The tenant's personal property is protected (less the deductible) while they are away from home, like in their car, or when traveling.

I personally would put down 20 percent and keep the rest of my cash, even if it meant I wasn't "making money" in the beginning.

We want to use as much of the banks money as possible. 

In the end part of the hostile dispute to get money from me she claimed I should not have chanrged since hers is a service animal.

Plus, once you start syncing calendars then the other platform will know that you are making more money for their main competitor, leading to your searchability being downgraded.

I.E. private money, seller financing etc.?