And is the maximum rent the HUD allows fore Section 8 tenants. 

Aside from that, there are DSCR loans out there that cater to first time homebuyers, some that even allow those that live rent free to purchase as well.

The BP function allowing you to check references and actually talk to real clients of those QIs is a great advantage.

Being a real estate professional allows you to treat the income as non-passive, allowing higher high income tax payers to pay less in taxes.

Typically homes in-between tenants, or a new purchase with intent to have renters within 30 days this is allowed. 

Remember, the seller is someone so desperate that they are allowing an 18 year old kid to flip the contract to sell their home.

Rates will at some point allow you to refinance.  

I've also held of holding properties in individual LLCs that are owned by one S corporation, which allows for a 60 / 40 split between ordinary income (regular tax) and dividends (capital gains tax rate).With the goal of minimizing taxation and liability protection, what would be the recommendation from more experienced people here?

Since agency loans don't allow you to put the loan in an LLC, ask your wife this. 

Speaking of iteration, allow me to share with you the iterations and processes we go through in our Multi-unit Acquisition Program: After a client gets pre-approved for financing, we go through multiple deals to find the best ones that meet our metrics.