Because you can assume no Section 8 tenant has good credit, my leasing decisions had more to do with meeting each tenant myself to get a gut feeling based on their communicativeness, timeliness to showing, what questions they asked, whether they looked me in the eyes or avoided eye contact, etc.The downside of section 8 was the annual, then bi-annual, inspections. 

You avoid the tax hit, and still get the use of 75% of the equity if you do a cash out refi - (but high interest rates sort of play against that to some degree presently… but you could alway refi again down the line if rates dropped.  

I loved watching them play

For now, consult a CPA to determine the best structure based on your income and investment goals.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

We're based in Tampa and, in addition to personally investing, I own a mortgage company that provides financing for tons of investors.

Value is based on each individual and they will need to determine if they think there is any value.

Those tend to be the neighborhoods that are gentrifying.Unique stuff to Pittsburgh I would say is don't go based on zip codes since one zip code can be composed of multiple different areas/neighborhoods.

PM me you're number if you'd like.I don't have any "opportunities" or property for sale or rent at this time or anything else to offer other than info based on my experience.

I highly recommend you play with that tool to start getting an understanding of what things you can do to positively affect your credit! 

However, based on your timeline, it seems like your decision may have already been made.