Then there are the challenges with Section 8 tenants paying utilities and taking care of their rental property.

@Dee Mandrekar highly doubtful there's such a big difference between market rent and S8 rent.First off, the GROSS S8 amount includes specific amounts for all utilities - electric, gas, water, trash, etc.We do NOT recommend including utilities in the rent because S8 only pays a certain amount and the owner is then exposed to tenant abuse of utilities. 

I'm excited to learn more, gain the education, and utilize the tools I need to succeed.

If furnished then set up.Decide how you want to handle utilities (included or shared)What kind of roommate do you want - what would your offer look like?

They even handle most maintenance and all utilities.

I’d recommend finding a mentor to guide you through the process and considering ways to invest even before you reach $100k, like partnering with others or utilizing low down payment loans.

We take for granted that a lot of folks don't actually know how to utilize an appraisers office or search through the states biz website.

You can end up in an odd spot where these previously disallowed losses are disallowed nearly permanently until either a) you are no longer a real estate professional and you un-aggregate your rentals or b) every single one of your rental activities is disposed of.I have one client right now with some material passive activity loss carryforwards, that the decision was made to wait to make the REPS related election until they utilize these loss carryforwards, so they don't become trapped. 

Also most places offer rebates From your local utility on 2 stage equipment.

My go/no-go was break even (net 0 cash flow) under the following assumptions: 50% occupied at market rent (based on comparable properties) including 15% of gross rents to maintenance/cap-ex (at 100% occupancy) and utility costs.