I haven't been expanding my business with LMHA since the end of 2016 per my posts above so I don't know exactly what changed, but I expect the outsourcing of inspections to private industry + some executive level leadership + replacement of staff with new faces excited to serve the needs of HUD/Landlords/Those In Need has resulted in an agency I will develop more business with.The HCVP will always be a double edged sword for landlords (See Section 8 Bible discussion) but for now I have discovered it is finally worth the effort to participate in the program.I specialize in Toledo's transition neighborhoods, discounted houses on the edge of nicer areas but also on the edge of trash...the Section 8 program allows me to get long-term tenants who are a good business model provided they are consistently managed and visited/inspected for additional "visitors" (relatives and random dogs/cats) and damage/housekeeping which can destroy a home if left unchecked.You need to know the rules, repair and renovate for long-term durability, prepare for inspections thoroughly and keep a team of contractors who will hold those standards...after 8 years we have been through a hundred inspections.

Similar to what you said I knew I needed cash reserves for our business but didn't want that money laying around in a checking account not earning any interest.For book keeping I recently transitioned from Google Sheets to Stessa. 

This may be challenging with both of you in full-time W2 jobs, but worth considering if one of you can transition to real estate part-time.Alternatively, the Short-Term Rental (STR) loophole offers another path.

When I do it for me and my clients, we go very conservative to give better expectations of the transition process, than if it goes better, great!

Any ideas how I can help these houses run smooth?

My husband and I both work stable W-2 jobs (he’s in trucking), and our goal is to eventually transition to real estate full-time.

It’s inspiring to see how you’ve transitioned into real estate full time.

Also, since most mid-term renters are in transition I typically ask if they think they might extend.

Many successful active investors transition to passive investing as a way to diversify into new asset classes or markets and to earn back some of their time and still benefit from the positives of real estate investing.To answer your question - I would allocate a portion of the $200,000 to MF as I believe this is a good time to invest in an asset class that has recently struggled. 

Carrying costs in purchase and or rehab is financed, cost of capital on refi, re-recording, title, updated insurance, etc. their are many costs at play after initial funding then to transition long term unless your straight cash on the front end.