My team personally has pivoted to more local affordable housing with local and county grants and incentives and we'll leave the more complex LIHTC deals to the big firms.  

Insurance liability, I personally know 2 families that lost their children in home pools.

With regard to renovations, I always suggest taking incremental steps to bigger renovations or partnering with someone who has already done a renovation at that level.I've been known to just go for the big rehabs for my personal investments here in Chicago , and during that process, it's always more stressful than it needs to be...As far as navigating the competition, I've found the best thing I can do is get EXTREMELY CLEAR  on what I am looking for; then I am confident pulling the trigger quicky. 

This process is done immediately if there is an asset they can show....the wrap note that is an asset.One of my coaching clients is selling his personal residence like this after he gets done with his forensic loan audit so that he can downsize.

If you're looking for a more landlord-friendly market, I personally recommend Columbus OH.

The strategy is built on your own personal cash flow commitment.

If they've genuinely abandoned, you'll notice their clothing, personal hygiene, and things of value are all gone.

@Alvin Sylvain I agree the emotional support animals are B.S. but they are legal and we have to abide by the law.If the animal is an ESA, you are allowed to ask if the person is disabled and what service the animal provides.

It might because they don't want any random person just setup a property management software to make it look legit and using it to scam people (tenants)

It's a matter of finding the one where the weaknesses are in areas that aren't relevant to your needs and/or don't aggravate your personal pet peeves.