The SMARTEST thing I did...was follow a "who" not a brand or company or model or some "thing". 

Quote from @Greg Scott: Quote from @Derrick E.: I always play it by ear.

The first house that I bought was 17 years old, 3 br, 1.5 bath, brick ranch house with hardwood floors, Andersen windows, ceramic tile baths, gas heat and a brand new roof. 

Major brands like Ritz Carlton and Waldorf Astoria are currently developing property there, where they have traditionally developed in Miami, Fort Laud, and Palm Beach. 

The Simplified REI brand (you can find it on facebook or BP) are some really good meetups.

In addition to a voucher, we require that the tenant be able to show income at least 1.5 time the monthly rent, as opposed to our regular tenants who must show 3.5 time monthly rent.Thank you for your input.In your opinion, using vast generalizations, is the additional risk managable for a brand new investor? 

Quote from @Fareen E.: Quote from @Jaron Walling: Follow your lease.

Set on 3.3 acres, this home has everything your buyers are looking for: a brand-new septic system, a state-of-the-art wall-hung boiler with radiant heat, and a stunning new kitchen complete with updated appliances and an island for gathering.

If you are not Materially Participating, the loss will be reported on Form 8582 and like be classified as "Unallowed".The ordinary loss from Schedule E cannot offset the Schedule D capital gains. 

@Kyle Carter just because a building has all section 8 tenants doesn’t necessarily mean that the cap rate will be higher on exit but it might attract a buyer(s) that are focused cashflow and not appreciation; therefore a lower price to juice the yield.One of my non negotiables if I were you would be to only buy in an area that is desirable.