Ultimately, it comes down to good tenant screening, section 8 or not. 

Looking for recommendations on how to screen a Canadian citizen for my property in Florida.

It's paid but their listing, pre-screening and showing is robust.

I like to buy in good locations that attract good tenants, screen applicants very well, and retain good tenants.

I see a lot of people doing all these crazy calculations on 3 and 4 flat deals (When I started i did it too, ha). 

I would say your Tenant Screening Process would has the most contribution to your journey. 

I was told they flat out said no and the student was pissed.

That should've been screened upfront.

Ultimately your bet in keeping it is that expenses (hoa fees) stay flat and you see higher appreciation (especially in rent prices) over the next several years.

Property is a C class area, so I am concerned about the quality of tenant I will get but I am close to Ohio State University, a hospital, and short north/downtown columbus so I am hoping as long as I screen tenants I can find some promising people.