I recognize that we still need to look at this from the standpoint of our goals (long term rental with the goal to pass on to our kids) and that it make sense from a finance standpoint rental income. 

We'd even be happy to move them into one of our (future) properties and just let them keep all/most of their rent income as free cashflow. 

We also looked at it as a place to escape America if we ever needed to and if our jobs went sour, we still had income coming in.

So if you buy a 5 bedroom house and rent the spare 4 bedrooms = you can still sell tax-free under the 121 (you just pay back depreciation) If you buy a duplex and rent 1/2 and live in 1/2.

What tips and techniques have you found most effective in increasing rental income and property value?

They want stronger tenants with stability to the cash flow today and into the future especially we are over 10 years into an economic cycle but Trump's tax policy juiced it a few more years.

It is DSCR based and no personal tax returns are required to qualify.

Our plan is to use the "Sneaky tactic" and for the next few years, the plan is to buy a house that needs a little TLC, fix it up as we live in it and move on to buy another house until were tired of doing it or reach a decent income.

It's also worth speaking with a local real estate agent to identify the best neighborhoods for rental income potential.

Gross rental income divided by 2 (50% op ex ratio) equals net operating income.