I've placed many tenants in section 8 or voucher programs here in central OH. 

I definitely would not pay down my mortgage since you’re just trapping equity in your house and you may not be able to refinance it back out.

This honest approach is what separates the winners from the wannabes in this business.The Trap of Self-InterestHere's where many get lost: putting their own success before the needs of the seller.

For instance, some rooms in finished basements don’t have full-size egress windows, and therefore aren’t appropriate to rent as a bedroom (without an egress window, a basement room can be a death trap in a fire).

Lastly don't forget to check around where the framing meets the foundation for insect deterioration.

So they did not even have good renters...and they were slobs insects galore! 

I recently have been more interested in section 8 rentals, which make me feel even less prepared and unaware of what I do not know.

@Daniel Alfandre  you can try to trap it on your property, they are surely crawling in a trash bin locally. 

They were poorly maintained, death traps, no brakes, waiting for a lawsuit.

I've seen faucets ripped out of bath tubs, insect infection, holes in walls, etc.