I won’t pretend to be an expert by any means as I have only been at this for 4 years and have 5 properties, but I thought it could be helpful to share actual numbers and different ways to look at them.

Can you recommend which podcasts / blogs helped you to pull the trigger? 

Upper Darby Township said renting a room is against township rules (we asked anonymously) but he is doing it anyway to help with $7k property taxes.

Feel free to send me a message with any questions if I can help!

I'm happy to help in any way that I can. 

This is the max it seems most "A" lenders will loan too, I might get 50% from a credit union but that still probably not help in the short term.How do people keep going?

She's done a lot of write-ups on the BP blog on the subject.Hope that helps!

.: Application/Screen every tenantIMO I wouldn't allow pets since it wasn't leased with petsOtherwise a non refundable pet feeI would charge at minimum 350 upfront per pet or not allow them at allThe Realtor who sold me the property and helps me find tenants, suggested $500 nonrefundable deposit for 2 cats and $25 a month each.  

.), could help you cash-flow while you build equity - best of both worlds.Lastly, targeting properties that have been on the market 30+ days could be a good start.

That said, I'm grateful for the alternatives you present--you're keeping the bottom line in mind, so I appreciate your help in exploring options that achieve the bottom line for the investors.