It offers affordable housing, solid rental demand, and generally favorable landlord laws.

If there is one thing I would do different is: I would invest Out Of State in markets that had sustained growth, strong job numbers, were safe and desired, and had favorable Landlord laws. 

Next year, your income may change; your family or tax situation may change; tax laws may change.

Check local law, whether you have to accept varies by state.

Some lenders may also want to see law and ordinance coverage in your insurance and perhaps a rebuild letter from the city stating that the property could be rebuilt as a residential 4plex if destroyed. 

You've possibly stated in writing that you (may have) violated several laws ie. working as a property manager w/o the proper licenses etc. 2.

Make sure to understand disclosure laws in your state.

Without seeing your lease, if the lease says that 'charges are due as additional rent' the charges may fall into housing delinquency law.

Real estate laws are local to the state where the property is located.

When I finally did this I found that I could invest in a market that had far better growth and for sure better landlord laws.