I've crunched the numbers on a typical 300-400K mortgage and the "break even" on refinance costs and rising rents is about 12-years. 

Instead, can you just cover the utilities or go to the laundromat.

Did they have bank statements showing utility payments for the rentals?

This step would include understanding City zoning & platting, locating utilities, researching City codes for development requirements (big ones include detention), etc. 

Typically I would just run it through my name but there are areas of ohio that target out of state owners if its a single family and will send you fines and violations  for every little thing. you also should talk to your attorney and accountant on how it impacts taxes

It depends on the guy you get, but typically not a big deal.

Quote from @Ariel Rivas: I don't know your market specifically, but it's typically cheaper to purchase those items at Home Depot or Lowe's.

@Frank Newsome typically there is not a good separation on areas for Section 8. 

However, I’ve found that these strategies don’t seem to align with the current real estate market in my country, Pakistan, particularly in Karachi.Here’s an example:A typical 120-square-yard house with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms costs around 106,000k ($270-$300 Rent per month).

In a seller's market, home prices typically increase due to limited inventory, while in a buyer’s market, prices tend to be more negotiable.