It is not always possible to be on the positive side but often one can.

For a cash-out refi in Cambridge, MA, you may want to look into local lenders, credit unions, or regional banks, as they often have better knowledge of the local market and can offer competitive terms.

We were not there often due to travel and had no pets, apartment was returned in the same condition that we received itI am wondering if a normal wear and tear allowance calculation is something that actually exists and by law they need to provide the hourly rate breakdown and what was cleaned correct?

I love it for the guaranteed rent, tenant stability, additional accountability with the housing authority and large demand for Section 8 housing without enough supply.With strong screening, I'm able to find great tenants and Im not owed any rent.Cons you will often hear is that the tenants are harder on your properties (doesnt have to be the case in my experience if you screen really well), the Housing Authority is a pain to deal with (this depends on a couple things - how well run your local PHA is and how good you are at handling process & details) and the extra inspections/red tape make the niche unprofitable (see what I said above about Housing Authorities).Done right, I believe Section 8 is one of the most stable & profitable. 

It sounds like you have a cushion and some time to do some more digging and hopefully get an idea on what kind of tenants they are.

First time home buyers compete with us investors and they are often blue-eyed in terms of how much work a property needs.

Also, ABB will often side on the guest side and refund them money.

Do you and your wife stay in one market or do you move around often?

While stocks and bonds are great options, 17M people in this country own at least one piece of real estate, often in addition to those other options. 

Often, they'll see something that they want, and want that included.