While our home prices do tend to rise, the growth is generally at a more gradual pace. 

When looking at discounting properties to find a deal, I tend to lean into what the seller is looking for when I know I'm holding. 

Don't spend a lot on improvements as they tend to get damaged with every tenant.  

I prefer graduate students whenever possible because they don't have time for partying, are of legal age anyway, and generally tend to be by themselves or with a partner so it's more like renting to a couple.

Personally, I find BTRs to be more predictable with fewer ongoing maintenance issues, and they tend to attract high-quality tenants.

Tenants are often lat and new owner tend to get very nervous.

They do tend to be slightly higher, but that doesn't mean your deal won't work.

They tend to stay to themselves, not a lot of company or complaints. 

Regarding DTI - mortgage industry will alllow around 40%, but tenants tend to pay a higher percentage of their income to rent/housing than homeowners.

I made a ton of mistakes but real estate tends to be pretty forgiving.