My net rental income was $300 to $500 a month, not enough to cover the mortgage payment (PITI) so I'm negative on what was supposed to cash flow on paper.

To qualify for a loan, focus on having a credit score of at least 620 (or 580 for FHA loans), keeping your total monthly debt under 43% of your income, and saving enough for a down payment and closing costs—about 5-10% of the home's price in total.

Right now, you have to be able to source off market properties or be willing to force cash flow with large down payments. 

Several have mentioned utilizing low down payment second home loans for qualifying.

If my spouse wasn’t opposed to moving I would try to buy a new house hack every 12-15 months and use low down payment owner occupied loans for as long as it made sense.

The retaliation claim is completely absurd in a non-payment case, but it has unfortunately delayed the eviction process even further.I’ll look into connecting with local landlord associations and advocacy groups.

all materials, all labor costs to others, Not you, utilities, interest payments, permits, licenses, auto/truck expenses, tools needed are all deductable. 

In a Subject To, it isn't the seller making the payments.

It is what is left after snow removal, cutting the grass, utilities, tenant issues, parking lot issues, property taxes, mortgage payment, etc. that make a difference.

Are you strapped for the down payment?