I'm analyzing properties in my expensive market which has a dire need for affordable housing.

(They did multiple inspections, also came for several full afternoons to just poke around the house while we were living there.) 

Total rent s/b minimum $2,250 but with housing vouches, $2,550

Sounds like the house is not local to you, OP.

Quote from @Sarah Kensinger: Quote from @John Underwood: Wouldn't it be cheaper to order everything online and have it shipped to house?

When application was made tenant was I am not going to to have my puppy with me so do not need pet fee or application etc.First month and I find a dog in the house which is 50lb.

(Previous rent was $1,300 but we're about to put in a brand new kitchen from the studs, new flooring throughout the house, new furance, adding A/C, etc).So do we just pay for it all upfront and mostly drain all of our savings, or do I let the rent pay for it and utilize our other savings to get a second property this spring/summer to increase our cashflow? 

I have a house rental in California.  

It's in great school districts, so I just listed those in the ad in a neutral, factual manner, which I believe won't violate fair housing laws as long as I avoid implying a preference. 

If you can get a big 4-5 BR house with a view for a under a million bucks, i'm pretty confident you can cash flow it with a good return, even in a 6%-7% interest rate environment.