Deep cleans 2x a year if not quarterly are a must if you want top return.  

For your existing rental property, the net rental income from your Schedule E on your most recent return will be used in your DTI.

That way I know with less equity upside upon renewal or backfilling the higher cash flow helps make up for some of that with the overall return.  

If want outsized returns look for cities with areas that are gentrifying as this is where you can get above market rent growth and appreciation.

@Matt J.As an out-of-state investor in San Diego, key tax and legal considerations include filing a California non-resident tax return for rental income or capital gains, managing double taxation with potential tax credits from your home state, and complying with withholding requirements on property sales.

As a non EU citizen, I will need a permit to purchase certain types of properties, except for residential (unit in an apartment). 

Paying down is definitely a strategic move, it's a guaranteed rate of return. 

Specifically, I’m drawn to distressed properties, such as pre-foreclosures and foreclosures, because of their potential for strong returns and lower acquisition costs which I feel is a great combination for a new investor with my budget.That said, entering the U.S. market as a Canadian comes with its own set of challenges, and I want to make sure I’m approaching this the right way.

Most sponsors returned my initial message/email within a couple of days.

The income/loss flows to your personal tax return.