Houston is the 4th largest city in the nation with 2.3 million people with projected positive job growth. 

(Smallest Reno budget to date was 45k and largest was 150k) Im also from Jersey.

I listed them smallest to largest and punched them in the face.

I was trying to consider some factors that may come into play - from what I understand you can put as little as ~3.5% down under an FHA loan - will it be more beneficial for me to put "more skin in the game" with the largest possible down payment I can make (say, closer to 10-15%)?

We are the last major metropolitan area to get one of these centers - and it's the largest economic development project to happen in Birmingham in YEARS.

I wanted to know what equations/metrics are a MUST HAVE when looking at a possible deal - I'm having a hard time trying to pin down which hold the most weight and make the largest impact in the rental world!

Now I’m working as a project manager at one of the world’s largest auto manufacturers.

Luckily, they have a great inspection with no findings.Though not optimal, I decided not to pursue my $50 late fee and the whole issue with my renters breaking the lease by using their deposit as the last month's rent.I'm curious if you all know of a more functional approach to this whole last month's rent and  deposit thing. 

We use the online rent payment system, the online application, the elease functionality, and the work order system extensively.

It is very feasible to put together a team and system that would function the same whether you are investing down the street or across the country.