You didn't mention the higher Florida insurance costs. 

We just fixed up the house and have it on zillow with several applications in 24 hours. 

I grew up just outside of Springfield.

Our plan is to use the "Sneaky tactic" and for the next few years, the plan is to buy a house that needs a little TLC, fix it up as we live in it and move on to buy another house until were tired of doing it or reach a decent income.

Most of which are tied up in court from 2020.

Increase earnings, decrease expenses, save up, and then you can invest. 

You should vet the company to ensure they have the resources to pay the rent.You ALWAYS do background checks on the people living in your property because if you let in an axe murderer and they harm someone, you are likely to get sued.Whether or not you charge an application fee is up to you.  

I have ran a poughkeepsie meet up for 21/2 years.  

You need to study up.

Yes, I’m a fan of harvesting the equity built up in properties.