What they get in return is someone to blame if it goes wrong. 

Also, as long as the house appraises, taking broker commission and using it against down payment and closing costs means lower cash requirements for me which increases my CoC returns.

It is DSCR based and no personal tax returns are required to qualify.

I've narrowed down the best return for my money in this market to a 2 bed/2 bath (with top tier amenities) - about 500 total 2/2 listings.I'm finding myself a bit stuck when analyzing why certain properties are making so much higher than the average listings when they seem to have very similar locations, amenities, style, flow of home, beds/# of people they sleep, reviews, number of reviews, etc.

All of this equates to lower returns with turnover costs, being the primary one.  

Theres a calcuation to make there to see how that. impacts your net return.2.

I am proficient in investing and confident in earning 7-10% returns in the market over the next decade or two.

Now investors, especially the newbies, are chasing returns by going after higher risk investments - many NOT really understanding the true risks.Many more investors will be losing money and choosing to liquidate real estate - which will be buying opportunities for the better prepared investors.

In many markets section 8 is higher than market rate. and investors need that extra return to mitigate the risk of sec 8 tenants generally speaking.

You will never see 2.25% again, 1600 a month on 150-200k in equity is an excellent return.