I've crunched the numbers on a typical 300-400K mortgage and the "break even" on refinance costs and rising rents is about 12-years. 

These studies typically if done by 3rd party would cost $10-$20k but you could also do it on your own.

Tree trimming is not typical tenant landscaping and no reasonable person would think it is.

I'm interested in learning a bit more about typical vacancy percentages, size of the local population being serviced, reasonable percentage of effective gross income for expenses, etc. as well Peter.Hopefully some experienced member(s) will sound off!

The IRS typically requires the property to be placed in service as a rental property before you can start claiming depreciation.Once the property is converted to a rental and placed in service as such, you can then conduct the cost segregation study and claim depreciation on the rental portion of the property.

They typically don’t go above 50% ltv and usually pay cash for the properties.

If you are graduating from Medical school and starting a residency, typically you will match in March and get your contract in April/May. 

When you have a VERIFIABLE record of success within specific property types - and typically specific geographical areas, you MAY be able to attract enough passive investment to begin syndicating smaller type deals.  

.: I was always under the impression that a VA loan could not be assumed for investment purposes and that it must be for a primary residence, which typically means occupancy of the residence for a year. 

Insurance bookings often pay much more than what you can get from typical Airbnb guests.Yes, use your lease.