Then there are the challenges with Section 8 tenants paying utilities and taking care of their rental property.

So if I am looking at an asset as a 10 year play - I look more at the location, schools and how has this market performed in the past excluding covid and 2008 which were extenuating circumstances.Reality is right now shorter term plays do not work based on numbers and cost of financing - we went through this same thing in 2001-2004ish timeframe where properties would appreciate 2-3% per year and after buying costs and closing costs - you were not making money on assets unless you performed the labor or found a really good deal.this is how real estate "typically" is - which is why everyone always says location location location - because after a decent holding period, you will win.

I think this is just typical discourse for owning property though.

Also be aware that cash out refinances typically have slightly higher rates than initial purchases or just rate and term refinances.

Title report, confirm utilities and zoning etc. 

This is typically the slowest time of year for tenant placement, at least in our local market.

Typically speaking we leave out front/side exterior photos on every listing, regardless of grandeur.Years ago there was a rash of thefts in South Florida where people were finding houses based on map and exterior photos and breaking in when vacant and clearing them out. 

Bogleheads was the source of most of my formative personal finance education (for ~14 years), and it’s relevant because the SWR discussions there are typically in the 2-4% range.

@Jason Tucker  you need to add in your utilities, common area cleaning, and turnover costs to determine if it makes sense. 

Your Schedule C at the top will typically list both of you since you are filing a joint return.