When you live in that duplex for 2 years and then sell you'll be able to take 50% of the profit tax free (the allocation for the side you lived in). 

If you run out, you’re dead in this business.

There has been a ton of new construction for housing the past 4 years and that’s why vacancy rates are 10-12% and rental rates have dropped the past couple of years. 

In my area there is a huge waiting list for Section 8. 

When prices drop, rental demand decreases, putting downward pressure on rents.The TakeawayThe critical factor for success with this strategy is location—specifically, investing in areas with significant and sustained population growth.

So I saved an additional $2500 in taxes after the fact.

In Chicago you request a CHA Burden sheet and that gross number minus utility allowance will be what you get in addition to making sure bedroom size is adequate.  

As it stands now, the sweet spot in that area in the market for rent seems to be a little larger 2/2 house with large living area for guests.

I am also involved in management at one of the largest STR property management firms in Cashiers.

We're not aware of anyone that's made a purchase from them work in over 3 years:(Most of the incentives in Detroit are targeted to owners that will live in their home or developers targeting large projects.