So I wonder to myself if that is really sustainable.  

The house I linked in particular doesn't even cashflow $0.. it would cost you money to own it.Hi Jeremy,Those prices remind me of back home in Australia.Not really sure how much of a sustainable investment it can be.$300,000 goes a very long way in the Midwest.With that kind of money, 4-5 duplexes could be easily bought in decent areas all across Ohio.Just my opinion.Thanks

As Jesus said in life one time, do not intend to divide families, regions or societies...work together and not against each other, because those that work alone will be the least sustainable in life...Thank you and god bless all...Best regards, Carlos

Can you sustain the tenants without utilites. are they likely to stay? 

She was ill and needed a place to live, but it was not sustainable for us to live above her either.  

Before I answer your question (as best I can), know that I believe you should only buy properties that generate a sustained positive cash flow and are located in an area likely to appreciate over time.

They look great, are sustainable and are priced close to hard wood.  

Debt to Income - DTI - is only use on FHA, conventional, Va and other typical residential transactions (consumer front).If you're going to a portfolio lender they look at lending from a 1.25x DSCR point of view (industry standard) which in essence is a 80% Debt to Income if you think about it.1 dollar of debt / 1.25 dollars of net operating income (NOI) = 1.25 X DSCR = 80% DTI Never the less us bankers joke about it all the time because it might be crazy from a residential loan officers point of view but in the banks eyes its not from a commercial point of view.The commercial bank views income property as a consistent sustainable source of reocurring income especially in stronger rental markets so having 1.25 dollars of net income coming in for every dollar of out going debt service payment is acceptable.The mess with this 1.25x they will sometimes make you conform even while subjecting you to underwriting at higher rates, shorter amortization periods, and other income adjustments that make it harder to obtain 1.25x.

So, we only use long term sustainable income.

The rates aren't going to be sustainable on properties in the low to mid price ranges or for low to mid income borrowers.