Mortgage interest is tax deductible, paying down principle is not2.

I would ask the lender you applied with to disclose how they calculated your DTI... sometimes they fail to add back in depreciation or deduct costs from your schedule E like tenant turnover, improvements, etc. that shouldn't be included in the DTI calculation. 

I moved out March 30, 2024 and just recently received a letter from the landlord (54 days later) with deductions  and reasons of not returning. 

If I had to try and sum it up it would be: Form a corporate entity for asset protection; buy properties using leverage to maximize the use of your money; write off your expenses through your business  including depreciation, taxes, insurance, repairs, etc to maximize your tax deductions.  

My other thought is to use the utility allowance we deduct from the fair market rent for the utilities they will pay for as a value they need to be able to pay.

Basically eliminating the tax deduction for the rental property. 

Depending on your income You get to take depreciation off your regular income (usually up to $25k) of 3.6% per year of the building’s value.Many of your everyday expense can be deducted from your income as business expenses. 

Had to go higher on my deductible to bring it down. 

Rent 1900 (appraisal came back 1975) 500 taxes and insurance (high deductible insurance to keep costs down) 25% assumed expense ratio for maintenance, vacancy and cap ex. 

Not wear and tear.Don't be afraid to use your insurance for legitimate claims that are significantly more than your deductible.