When you run the numbers, there could be a scenario, on paper, where this makes sense cash flow wise, because of the interest only nature of the HELOC you have.

Section 8 tenants are by their nature low quality people who are very irresponsible.

Proper management and vetting of tenants can win people over but I think it's also human nature they'll never agree that it's better than what they thought should happen.  

Surrounded by mountains in a valley that naturally constricts growth there will continue to be a shortage of housing.

I am a real estate agent and a local investor as I said and investing in tourism sector in DR has different benefits:1- tax benefit ( no paying tax for 15 years )2- ROI +8% 3- Great Appreciation (natural and forced)4- financing 0% by the way, some residences are working with international tour operators and resort administrations like Windham who guarantee +60% occupancy over the year on your property. ( this is for long-distance investors )If you or anyone on this topic has any questions about it pls answer or DM me 

I want to be sensitive to their needs but also want to tell them that she was lucky she got 20 years of parking her bike in the laundry room and that now this is being enforced. 

I would rather focus on the details of the credit report (such as collections and delinquencies and nature of those issues).)

I filled out the application but have NOT given out any sensitive information yet.

I'd disagree with the sentiment expressed in the post as a high density urban developer who handles entitlement in two markets. we wouldn't even touch a site that we couldn't get 50 units an acre on at a minimum. urban adjacent neighborhoods allow for this but not suburban. neither do the 2-3 story nature of build to rent properties the density is very low. 

To add to what was mentioned, I would look at the maintenance history of the property to see what repairs have been made that are more capital in nature (say, new counter tops or kitchen) versus an ongoing issue (plumbing backing up every few months).How is the insurance search going for you as well.