It turns out that the tenant had not paid the rent in November and December (and ultimately January too), because the previous owner allowed the home to fail 2 section 8 inspections before I purchased the property.

Implementing this strategy will allow you to be more knowledgeable and therefore able to make quicker decisions and secondly others take notice of the investors who are repeatedly transacting in a specific neighbohrood which leads to more opportunties being brought to you. 

Allows you to sell services, collect info etc. 

Not a fund.Syndication would allow you to receive "sweat equity" and fees as the General Partner running the deals.

You are not entitled to business deductions.

They might allow for a no seasoning rate and term refinance, but that would have you bringing your closing costs and and lender fees to the table.

Please let me know if that is allowed according to PA Laws.  

It also tells the IRS how much interest you can claim as a deduction.

What's the lowest credit score you will allow?

A French Drain system with a catch basin and pump should work if the grading will not allow natural drainage.