Sub2 and LOs are best for pretty houses with low equity I have found.You are close with your descriptions of seller financing and lease options, but close only counts with horseshoes, hand grenades and stretching carpet.  

Would you rather do a buy & hold (holding period of at least 10-15 years) rental investment in a "boring" low growth market but achieve 1% rule or invest in a "hot" growth RE market, aim for appreciation but only achieve a 0.65-0.70% rent/purchase ratio?

I have thought about this myself as inventory is so low right now that finding homes to flip is tough. 

I have seen ads for Bathfitters and it seems to be a low-fuss option which is appealing.

If you're coming in the field, keep your expectations super low --if you make more than your expectations, good for you!

As for this one, we knew buying it at such a low price, it would go up in price, by how much, we did not know exactly but we knew there will be some.

You have the jobs, infrastructure, bars/clubs, vs a MFH somewhere more inland, where it’s more quite, with low crime rates, schools, etc?

Still have around $20k in low to no-interest debt, and have about $7500 in savings. 

If I remember correctly it was about $5000 on our home which we purchased for $280,000.I was required to provide documentation showing that I would be employed for at least the next year when I applied for the loan. 

Rents are .very low right now and tenants are on week to week.