Which makes him odds on bet to be a “bad” (no pay - late pay) tenant2.

They are your best bet at breakeven or even small cashflow but they will not appreciate near as well as a newer townhome.

The tenants know the mini split is their best bet for controlling temp on their side, but they do not want to not pay for the energy to run it and would prefer the gas gets used (gas is included in their lease.) 

I would say, your best bet is to reach out to property management groups in your investment area that specializes in section 8.

If you don't know what you're expecting to get out of any program, class, seminar, employment choice (Subto, BP, Tony Robbins, etc.) you'll never get your monies worth. 

You best bet is to contact a realtor, and have them run comps (most will do it for free).

Right now I think your best bet is to call your insurance and go through them.

Personally, if you have other applicants, she would not be my first choice.

I don't know Waco economics at all, but I'll bet there are 1000 units of some kind available for rent a town of 140-150,000 seems like a lot to me. 

Some individuals get along with other individuals interpersonally in a more comfortable manner- that is something that you might want to factor into your choice also.