Even if the property is centered in a city with a population of 30k it may be considered rural due to other factors.

No one mentioned this as a factor, but I assume this would severely limit/prevent me from deducting anything other than depreciation?

I'm curious, if you were to invest elsewhere, what areas would you consider and what factors would drive your decision?

Most fail to factor this in.I believe the fact no meaningful tax advantages exist saved you from going down a rabbit hole that would have been adverse to your business more generally.

So it's not the same as bank which might do 2-2.5x once debt payments are factored in. 

@Shaun Hunt Starting a property management company to manage your own properties could offer some tax advantages, but there are important factors to consider.

For experienced landlords, what factors should be prioritized when choosing landlord insurance?

The rents were at $1000 a door with a potential to increase up to $1250 after some small TLC renovations.When you factor in the price point, lower taxes and lower insurance you have yourself a sure fire cash flow deal.

Factor in hard money loans, high contractor bids for rehabs, etc and you have no deal.

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).