We get about half of our properties from other companies that are tenant occupied so this is very common in my market. 

Recently came across a few good within my budget properties and do not want to lose the opportunity to invest and wondering how to go about the loans since I am not employed anymore and the lenders that I was working with for previous properties always ask me for employment verification and 90 days' pay slip.

What type of plumbing pipe is in the house - galvanized steel corrodes from the outside in, lead pipes may have been common back then.

Reasons were many, but financially speaking, I had received a growth opportunity from my employer in exchange that I relocate to another part of the country.

Its common place and I just dont have the time to combat the bad reviews or expend the energy.

If its positive it adds to your job/self employment income as a total income figure to determine your DTI or debt to income. 

If not, then it's probably a common thing there.

This is a very common mistake that investors make and it will cut into your rent and days on market by a lot.

Here's some guidance on buying your first investment property in Southern California or Columbus, Ohio:Down payment:For investment properties, lenders typically require 15-30% down payment on your first investment15% down is possible with excellent credit (700+ score)20-25% down is more common, especially for multi-unit propertiesSection 8 considerations:Pros:Guaranteed portion of rent from governmentPotential for longer-term tenantsMay be easier to fill vacancies in some areasCons:More paperwork and inspections requiredRent amounts set by local housing authorityPotential property damage concernsOther tips:Research local markets carefully - price trends, rental rates, etc.Factor in all costs - taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacanciesConsider starting with a single-family home or small multi-unitBuild a team - real estate agent, property manager, contractorsHave cash reserves beyond just the down paymentUnderstand landlord-tenant laws in your chosen locationI'd recommend talking to local real estate agents in both areas to get more specific market insights.

A common mistake I see for new STRs is making sure to fully understand what your property manager does.