For me, I'd look at the notion that it's not my job to determine their status.

I can certainly vouch for the general notion that Section 8 renters, and low income renters in general, require a bit of a different approach to management than your average middle or high income renters.

@Daisy Felix Google voice is a great notion but for me there were too many pitfalls; one of them was reliability and quality of calls was not where I needed it.

I treasure the notion that you live your life with your own control, not dependent on God, family, or government.

@Joe Splitrock, that was incredibly well handled... if we entertain the notion that you came up with that verbatim on the spot & in the moment.

There is a really good chance that you'll discover whatever preconceived notions you have about her and her personal / financial situation will probably be changed, when she suddenly changes too and starts paying her rent on time because her landlord is charging her late fees now.

She never abused the privilege and I would've put a quick stop to it if she had.To your second point: true, but I feel like I'm responding to the usual false dichotomy often presented in discussions of PM: to wit, EITHER:Pay 10% of gross revenues to have PM; OR:Personally make 3AM calls to deal with clogged toiletsI'm merely challenging this notion.

It's a gamble IMO and goes against the notion that you should make your money in real estate when you buy. 

I had a crazy notion to manage some properties where I live, but when I learned I'd have to work as an agent for a broker for two years before I could get my own broker's license, I said forget it.There is an exception, though, if you have a JD degree.

Another notion is if rents decrease renters may be happy with continuing to rent (as opposed to pursuing home ownership).