Can I say for example, "rented out x unit this month", or do I need to go over each day and list all of the times I answered messages, fielded calls, accepted tenants, did the lease, etc?

Accountants are in such demand, that the best are not even accepting clients half the time.The other problem I see often with accountants on here is that they specialize in larger investors, and have really high prices when you as a smaller investor do not need all the bells and whistles.Another thing I see is folks thinking they need to have a tax professional in their state.

I would choose Candidate #2 providing you have acceptable verification of their income - bank statements that multiply out to what the past couple years tax returns indicate on the business.

We thought we had to accept whatever was presented to us, but that experience taught me otherwise.

Get the plaster tested for asbestos.If renovations significantly reduce your profit margin, wholesaling the property to a more experienced investor might be more viable. 

I am considering accepting section 8 but am a bit scared since I need to do more research.  

They stated that the “market rent” came lower than expected and tried to tell me that market rents in the area justify $1300, which that’s just what I “accepted” on paper from the tenant.

I just tested JustCall, it was too slow.

If your market and listing allows for automatic escalating offers ($250 above best price of highest other offers, up to X) then you can get around this and the clause is written such that they have to show you the other offers once your offer is accepted by them.

I'm a LTR guy... but it is a pretty accept fact that short term will give you more income.