If one tenant moves out, the property remains cash-flow positive. 

Luckily, my wife and would be in a position to buy their house from them at fair market value, if that is the best option? 

I agree with everything you said 100% & I appreciate the positive feedback. 

It may vary from others' advice, and it will be up to you to determine what feels best for your needs.In your position, it is super smart to rent first. 

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases: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.

But a big difference when your costs stay mostly flat.) whether the property is positive or negative $100-$100/mo should make zero difference to you.

You could also reward staff for lease renewals, positive guest reviews, and reducing unnecessary expenses.

Although, obviously being positive would be the eventual goal.

Yea they would keep that in place and you'd get a second position mortgage for the rest at, well, higher than todays rates.

Here’s my honest advise; consider studying for and obtaining your real estate sales license, and obtain a part time position with a real estate agency that will provide training, guidance, and oversight.