I currently own a few properties here in Bryan-College Station, I have a full time sales job so try to stay as passive as possible. 

You'll be tagging transactions throughout the year with categories that fit the Schedule E so when tax time comes (if you stay on top of it) every deposit and expenditure will already be categorized and it's quick to create the Schedule E and/or run P&L reports any time you need to.

Most projections I’ve seen are calling for rates to stay right around where they are this year, or if anything possibly going up a little.

To stay secure, I’d recommend saving 3-6 months of mortgage payments, budgeting for repairs, and possibly investing in a home warranty.

Establish a system to stay in front of potential sellers & buyers.

Keep rents lower than the going rate and give them an incentive to stay like no pet fees or upgrades to the homes.

Like anything it has to stay balanced but small gestures go a long way in reducing turnover and mitigating many "would be" issues. 

It grabs attention, gives potential guests an immediate sense of what sets your property apart, and helps them imagine staying there.

Payments stay lower, cashflow better and it'll boost your balance sheet not to mention lower risk when things go awry. 

We stay +95% booked where folks may ask to rent a few days out vs months out on LTRs.