Florida is a debtor state, and if your tenants are buying to live there as homeowners, you will play hell getting them out if they default. 

As a judgment creditor the goal is to find the debtor's assets.

With asset based loans, lender will not consider you employment, debt or income.

I sent forms several forms to my tenant (Execution Exemption Notice & Notice of Intent to Levy on Earnings, Judgement Debtor's Exemption Claim Notice, Affidavit of Judgement Debtor, and Earnings Execution Disclosure) and it has been 16 days and they did not respond in any way (and yes, I have confirmation of these items being delivered).I have decided to go after their bank account, as I have that information, and I am going to be getting a Writ of Execution.

I have no CC debt or other investments.  

Set a budget.. on paper... stick to it.The additional potential benefit of the house hack is that if you buy right and depending on your remaining student debt, you could sell the property and clear your student debt. Or

Even though they will use my current numbers after verifying the lease agreements, they calculate DTI by adding NOI to the denominator, and debt service of the rentals directly to the numerator, as opposed to taking NOI minus debt service and then adding that result to the debt or income. 

What would you suggest, paying off bad debt or investing?

But if you are living paycheck to paycheck, carrying debt, or your job is questionable, then I would definitely insist you save up a reserve fund.What if you have an apartment complex with 20 units?

Jack as we age this becomes a real exercise.. for me its all about paid for assets. and limiting long term liablities.and well I jsut dont particularly care for the rental business in the SFR space.I prefer buying debt. or originating debt.. or doing value add like new construction..