Also, prices were somewhat artificially inflated and lenders have become more conservative, effectively moving prices back down to a more authentic level. 

Click on the dropdown menu in the upper right corner at your picture and go to "Account Upgrades" to see the differences between the membership levels.

While their growth rates might be lower, you might feel more confident in the existing rents and value levels given how little supply competition there is. 

Bathroom hardward (TP and towel racks) - mount to a 1x4 plaque that is screwed to studs. you can pretty much hang on it without pulling out the hardware. i use entry level granite countertops - stain resistant, and should last a long time. i put LVP through the entire house, bathrooms and closets included. its water proof and scratch resistant. while the initial cost is more than carpet, you wont have to replace it as often. i use Sherwin-Williams Harmony line of paint, in a semi-gloss sheen. the semi-gloss is easier to wipe off for small marks, and the harmony line has deodorizers built in. for exterior door knobs, i use the smartkey knobs from kwikset. you can rekey a knob in a few minutes - no need to pay rekeying fees anymore. last tip - figure out which appliances your market typically provides. in my market, its not common to provide washers and dryers, so i dont. thats one less thing to have to repair. 4. i dont see an issue with the gas stove. to convert to electric you will need to have a 220V plug, which could be costly to install if not already there. 

What sort of tips do people have for a younger prospect to get involved in a more expensive area when I don't have as high a level of cash? 

Sometimes, things don't (or do) make sense at the asset level, but there are strategies above when it comes to overall portfolio and lines of business (e.g. right-sizing business, opex reduction, relocation of assets to e-biz). 

I feel that the flood insurance cost of $120/mo doesn't seem prohibitive to me but I am out of state and was curious if on a local level this has any stigma or large bearing in a buyer's decision (other than the obvious cost consideration)? 

I no little about the place, but based upon the little I do know the following might make it viable:1) WDC in general seems to grow whatever else doesn't no matter what and the entire area benefits2) It's also the number one tele-commuting city in the country so daily commutes may not be a huge problem for many target tenants.3) Lovettsville itself has high personal income levels, quite low unemployment levels, many young professionals, excellent schools and was listed as one of Virginia's best cities to live.

There are a number of other threads discussing the level of risk involved when transferring ownership of property financed under a conventional loan from an individual to an LLC, with a wide variety of opinions on the due on sale issue.

The reality is that there will be some distressed hotels coming to market, but nowhere near the level that people think.