I have only felt uneasy once, after my husband served an eviction notice that had to include my home address, at a rental where the occupant (not our tenant, but leftover girlfriend) was mentally unstable and abusing prescription drugs.She also had moved in a new boyfriend that had just been release from prison.Although I am not terrified to go show our property or to deal with our tenants, I am cautious and think about my personal safety and that of my family.

If the housing office is on top of things, your property is being inspected by their staff at least yearly, to ensure the tenant is not abusing it and to ensure that you are also holding up your end of the deal.  

They put you on a bus to visit rehab sites of students in your local area to see the process up close and personal. 

I do feel bad when I see a family struggling to make rent though, as that financial strain often manifests itself in substance abuse and violence, which is terrible to witness.

Although I'm not sure about that because I know how much they get abused. 

I find/buy the house that meets the needs of the tenants ie. near a bus line, no stairs, etc.

Friends of mine who came from successful parents might build something bigger than their parents or decay into alcohol and drug abuse.

I would suggest to make them put the utilities under their own name (if possible), because even if you put it as included in the rent, unless you charge a good amount, they will abuse it (turn the heater that extra temperature, take those extra 5 minutes in the shower, etc.).

For example: I am not someone who used to abuse substances, I am someone who overcame a great obstacle that few do.

I think there are two issues that seem to concern RE investors:Restrictions in underwriting/loan terms- DF discourages abusive loan terms (neg amortizing, balloon payments, 40 year schedules, etc).