A tidy, well-organized space can help the appraiser focus on the home's features rather than distractions.Research Comparable Properties: Have a list of comparable properties (comps) that have sold recently in your area.

Keep in mind, everyone needs a place to live in landlords provide a service of providing those places and keeping them in good shape, updating it, etc.  

Now, it took me many years and a lot of real estate trading to get to this place with my bank, but that is why I highly recommend that RE investors work hard and finding and nurturing a local banking relationship.

From google: “The Fair Housing Act (FHA) does not apply to certain types of rentals, including: Owner-occupied buildings: If the building has four or fewer units and is owned by the person who lives there Single-family homes: If the owner rents or sells the home without using a real estate agent, and they own no more than three homes Religious organizations: If the property is only available to members of the organization's religion Private clubs: If the property is only available to members of the club Senior housing: If the property is designated for people who are at least 55 years old Even if a property is exempt from the FHA, it must still comply with the law's ban on discriminatory statements, notices, or advertising.

Those with little to no experience should have even larger amounts of reserves in place before they purchase real estate. 

It's a great place to meet people and learn.

If you have the right people in place it can still be done.

Maybe its because they barely work, so when they have a hiccup, there is no funds coming in.Compared to the market renters, it is a bit easier to terminate/evict a sec8 tenant because you can basically tell them your not renewing and they try to find a place so they do not lose sec8 funding. 

We hear from a lot of out of state investors that Milwaukee is a great place to invest in real estate due to its affordability and strong economic growth. 

I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have a place to help me keep my knowledge in check. :)