A valid government-issued ID is what I require.

This aligns with the other responses in the thread, as passive activity losses (PAL) rules govern how these losses are applied across your rental portfolio.

I've worked with government employees, families who have been displaced by fires, and other clients / employees who are my tenant but aren't financially responsible for the lease.

In all I paid $14k to setup various entities, trusts, and government fees. 

If you want an in-depth view I would:- Research government statistics (population growth, median prices, appreciation, etc)- Qualitative research- Go to meetups, talk to investors (you won't find it hard to find someone investing out of state in OH)- Use softwares like rentometer, Vestmap, etc that's what I always say.

With government backed rentals, we are assured not to have our payments disrupted by shutdowns, offsetting any loses during that time.

Her tenant payment comes from a government entity and is $2100 per month. the house was also recently renovated so all the mechanicals are in good shape. 

I think you are over worried about the government coming after you.

Government will never succeed in "making" anything cheaper.

But I still believe we have a huge supply and demand issue and the government needs to do something to spur new construction.