If at the same bank as your operating account, link the accounts so that you might qualify for higher or bonus interest rates. 

Those are nice bonuses and you may be able to do that without sacrificing anything.Also, keep in mind to have at least one bathtub, since young families will use it for bathing their lil ones.

Encourage your seller to offer a buyers agent bonus.  

Bonus: What are some red flags to watch out for?

Balance is now at 40k.Something that has helped us is sending extra payments from Tax Refunds, Job Bonuses, Percentage of rental profits, etc…I’ve debated on selling my extra vehicle aswell to lower the principal…I’ve been searching for other possible solutions.Nothing so far…Thanks again for sharing and good luck!

I grew up a little southeast from GR and now living on the west coast (summers here remind me a lot of MI... with the bonus of way less mosquitoes and more mountains). 

Make sure your cash flow numbers are solid and take any appreciation as icing, a happy bonus. 

Their lack of experience was actually a bonus to the sellers.

As an added bonus, maybe you could list your full name, address, and social security number, mother's maiden name?

More pay, work from home and retention bonuses.