Humans are a pack-animal, eon's of a village wise-man, and that's what these positions fulfill today. 

Now she wants the 3 year old living-room carpet replaced because it smells like animals.

But don't forget to factor for future appreciation...if you (or your Realtor) strongly believe that this area/house will double in value within 5 years, then that is a different animal.....

Or working with animal rescue, which is my personal passion aside from working.  

Take a closer look during due-diligence for appliance hookups and what type of animal/insect droppings are around.

You could aim to get the studious, low key, chill type of tenant as opposed to the rambunctious party animals typically found in a college setting thus avoiding the types of "confrontation" that are likely to come with the latter.

I don't even have a real estate license nor do I have any real connections to real estate professionals/investors.Outside of real estate, I enjoy spending time with family, watching anime and swimming.

Any advice in general as this is a new animal for me?

The issue you run into with Section 8 is that those people live like savage animals.

I found the ways to secure my interest and prevent underhanded moves by sellers in liquidation business, but RE is a whole different animal that I don't have as much experience in.Now, here is the dilemma: in order to be most efficient and get a good rep as a wholesaler in the eyes of the sellers, you should be able to CLOSE every purchase contract you sign.