No free weeks, no reduced deposit, etc.

Making additional payments or taking a shorter term are just depositing more into that savings account (it's not like the property appreciates more by paying down the loan). 

As I understand, landlords there cannot charge application fees, security deposits and evictions are VERY challenging.Have communicated with several PMCs and investors in Ohio market and not aware of any real differences from Michigan. 

There has never been a time where most properties were instant "ATM's".

From what I have seen, the typical remedy is termination of the contract, refund of the EM deposit and all expenses incurred by the buyer during the failed transaction.

They give the benefit of instant liquidity and being able to sell them when you need the cash.

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

I lost another $1000 in inspection fees but should get back $2000 earnest money deposit.

If it is minor, make sure it comes out of  their deposit when they leave.I'd look into hiring a property manager. 

This information is then linked in the database—think of techniques like pulling signatures from mortgage documents and extracting unit counts/construction types from building permits.This allows you to search my name and instantly see all of the rental properties and construction projects I own, even though they are well covered by holding companies.