The tenant used an online maintenance request system to request a handful of maintenance issues for the first 6 to 8 months.

being hands-on and local is a big advantage.

The premise of the time value of money struck me: "Money in hand today has earning potential, and we can turn money today into more money tomorrow by investing it."

We had an investment group willing to come in and zero-lot line a dilapidated apartment complex in Corvallis and give the tenants the opportunity to buy to help solve our affordability crisis here, but nonetheless, the city forced their hand by needing a half-street development after changing zoning that killed the deal.

On the other hand, giving one of the bedrooms its own private outdoor escape might appeal to a buyer looking for a luxury retreat.

I don't personally have tens of thousands in cash on hand for larger down payments (I do though in my TSP/401k), but my dad will have maybe a couple hundred thousand after the sale of his house soon.

if you can be hands-on: no PM, a lot of DIY, etc. you can absolutely cash flow. 

Looking for good first hand experience with a recommendation... just what every landlord wants, someone who knows what they're doing and is reliable.

Don't tip your hand that you didn't understand your numbers. 

Right now I am on the middle of a flip no more cash in hand to make an offer so my only option seems to be investors or a HELOC against my flip or my own house.