So you just need to look at that additional $2000 - $3000 of interest each year as really being 1000 - $2000 of total new expense to your after the tax deduction.3.  

Maybe they've been burned by landlords in the past and are being very careful.You can legally reject them based on personality, facial tattoos, body odor, or other factors, but you better make sure you can prove that it wasn't based on any protected class like race, religion, familial status, etc.

Down payment should be about the same (20% on a buy-and-hold) but you'll see an additional $3-$6k on average in CC and the ability to keep it off of your DTI/Personal credit along with hopefully no more hard inquiries on your credit (many lenders will accept/perform a soft pull).

(Call it 20% federal and 5% state ($15k in income tax, plus the $45k in additional taxes you created.).

What factors should I prioritize when choosing the best approach for my future success in real estate? 

I would factor in 6-10% for property management.i have worked in property management for 3 years before and through the pandemic, and I have been seriously searching for property to invest in for about two years.

It seems like there are additional obstacles to success for me since I'll have to do pretty much everything remotely, but an expression that I like, and I'm paraphrasing here, "If the path you're on seems easy, you're on the wrong path"Would love any and all advice, guidance, comments, warnings or whatever else you'd like to share.

It's an A-framed garage with shingles roof, gutters, windows, and a 32" exterior door (in addition to a 16' operating face door). 

It's like when you're running a business - you sometimes learn way more from dissatisfied customers and their complaints, so, please, don't stop there, if you have more to add, add it!

All of these factors/considerations impact each other to some extent and its impossible to know whats possible until everyone in the group is clear on what they need/want this to look like.Either it sounds like you're on the right path with the line of questioning.