From what I’ve read in Bloomberg, electing S-Corp taxation for your LLC might reduce your self-employment tax burden when you start paying yourself a salary.

This reduces exit options and affects the value. 10) Small number of small units is the most expensive residential development there is.

Negative cash flow also can offset positive on other units to reduce taxes today.

For reference I own exactly one handful (5) SFH  rentals in my hometown, all have been purchased in the last 4 years.1) buying at a discount is MY preferred way to reduce risk.

You could also list the property FSBO at a reduced price since there wouldn't be an agent.

The 8 unit has required more time and energy because it had been poorly managed for years.

Open to any advice here tooI want to sell my underperforming assets to reduce expenses.

If your leasing application process is thorough and well thought out, and if your lease agreement has been well drafted by your local attorney and if it includes clauses that permit you/your property manager enough latitude to maneuver and anticipate undesirable tenant behaviors, both actions and inactions, and you have operational processes which align with enforcement of your lease, then you've done all you can do to reduce this inherent risk of an undesirable tenant.  

But why are people spending so much energy defending bad government policies?

I'd also suggest considering a partnership if you feel comfortable with that in order to reduce the risk completely on you.