On the plus side they are super friendly there and I'm learning some Tagalog, but I'd rather be doing something more remunerative with my time obviously. 

I admire your spirit and outside-the-box thinking my friend.

Don't rent to family members or friends. 

For instance, a friend of mine transitioned into the BTR market in Austin, Texas, after noticing consistent rental growth.

He himself was a felon on parole, and his friend who was an addict, he was his cell mate.

I lost money for many years in real estate, while my friends were enjoying life with their savings.

This is most conservative (retirement friendly). 

In a tenant friendly state you have to.BTW, when you list, there's a fair housing law. you cannot deny a sec 8 if they qualify. your standards need to be the same for everyone

Even though you’re not fond of DSCR loans, it might serve as a bridge to free up your line of credit for quicker flip-and-reno opportunities.I remember years ago, a close friend of mine was in a nearly identical situation.. from what I read in Forbes, he ended up with zero wiggle room each month.

And to be honest, it seems like everything’s working out at this point so if it does I’d be happy to refer them to my friends and colleagues.