I am also considering the "assumable" VA loan option to lock in a lower interest rate.

They do end up lowering your income.

The lower rates then meant that there could be some level of positive cash flow. 

When it's all said and done, I have a lower-quality renter that pays below market rates and causes me a lot of problems.

Both GC's stated this is worse case scenario and expect to be lower.

I show mostly luxury homes, which is more expected here than at lower prices, but it's still of note.

I would say personal asset protection is #1 but lower cost is a strong #2.   

Hi Samuel,When considering how to pay off a loan faster, both methods you've mentioned—making a large principal payment at the end of each year versus bi-weekly payments—can be effective, but they operate differently.Large Principal Payments: Making a large payment once a year can significantly reduce your principal, leading to lower interest costs over the life of the loan.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I have found that making property improvements does more to increase the rental pool than lowering standards. post a picture of the kitchen.