It seems to me that the lowest rate would get me where i want to go the fastest considering they aren't charging any extra points or fees to get that rate.I appreciate your input!

It may sound nice to pay a 5% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no add-on fees.

For higher-risk tenants, I charge $1,500 or $2,000.I'm guessing this is for college students which means:1.

The more you put down the cheaper the loan which clearly benefits you at the end of the month!

I would also review with the agent what types of safeguards the companies will expect (Hard wired smoke detectors, Central station alarms, extinguishers, etc.) as some of that will be cheaper to do during your rehab rather than laterIf you lease the commercial space out to certain businesses you may have to comply with additional codes. 

We will obviously ensure they carry proper insurance, abide by the law, and submit to regular inspections.Question: if they live in the home and operate a business, would you charge them additional rent for the business side?

You would want to call around to some local Property Management companies in SWF that do STR's and see what kind of rates/fees they charge and the occupancy you can expect.

I typically charge 1.5x a months rent for the deposit.

If all of those things are fine by you, then sure, go live it up in a cheaper place.

Taxes in PA are generally cheaper, so your holding costs will be less. i do not know anything about Leigh Valley, my properties are in Central PA. there are areas where houses are only worth 50K and areas where houses are 500k and up, so you have to study the area, maybe there is someone in that area here on BP that can help you more in that area.