If so, I would very strongly consider the merit of taking on $300k in debt in order to achieve this level of earning potential and perhaps explore cheaper ways of attaining this education.Rather than thinking about how you can mitigate a poor financial decision through real estate, I respectfully suggest that perhaps it's better to not make the poor financial decision in the first place.  

You might also want to explore rent default insurance to help mitigate your lost rental income and eviction costs should you find yourself in a similar situation. 

Second, a "gift letter" stating that both parties acknowledge the full amount in question is, in fact, a gift that need not be repaid for any reason will tend to help mitigate some pestering from underwriting.Best of luck!

LOL.. most investors probably would not have bought there because the returns would have looked to low compared to other markets in the country... but as you point out you mitigate risk with the proper property to start.Much like what happened in the Portland market.. not a hot bed for most investors to buy rentals other than savvy locals or CA folks. 

Simply be sure you have a few exit strategies and run some worst case scenarios to mitigate your risk.

However, by Iowa state law, no matter when they leave, the landlord must make due diligent efforts to rent unit asap to mitigate the landlords losses.

You can mitigate your self employment taxes.

I am looking to mitigate the overhead cost of upkeep for my rental properties. 

It was a valid loss mitigation strategy at the time.Q4 2018 ended with default rates at all-time lows, it'll be tough to make this happen.

We have gone through the mitigation process and have learned that insurance and restoration company estimate 3 months before repairs are complete and tenants could reside in the property.