The security deposits haven't covered the damage done, we've increased the rent for pets as well as the deposit to cover anticipated costs.Whichever way you choose, just make sure you mitigate the potential risks.

I know there are several articles on BP discussing the advantages of leverage and I’ve considered them when thinking about this decision however I’m a fairly conservative investor always looking for ways to mitigate risk.

The key is to understand the potential exposure for risk areas and mitigate in a manner suitable to you.  

Have you explored horizontal boring to mitigate the costs of crossing under the roadway?

Feels like a good deal (nice lower income neighborhood, bike paths, parks, 10 minutes from personal residence ) but the AC and roof may not have too much life left.Based on my analysis, I think the FMV for a 2/1 like this is closer to 35k.Inspection in a couple days - planning on asking for $3-5k back at closing to a) mitigate risk of roof/hvac replacement and b) bring purchase price closer to FMV.Is a deal like this worth walking away from if I don't get a concession post-inspection?

Building a team of specialists around me can alleviate a lot of problems and mitigate a lot of risk. 

The mitigating factor of the selling of this home, is that in a short time I will no longer be living in this area.

This eliminates any SBA loans as they'll require same peril mitigation through insurance and it's a waste.Our house took on way more water though, 5.5' : (.  

It seems the far away places tend to get smashed the hardest where dense areas have more flood mitigation investment?

I know every tenant has to have a first rental at some point, but good people 99% of the time have good family willing to help them out to get that start.My point was more-so that if the PM and landlord agree on qualifications (which should be driven by the experience of the PM and their market knowledge), then the landlord is in no position to blame the PM if the tenant goes sour - we can't control the tenant's life, only mitigate the risk/damages.