Way easier to get decent cash flow that way. 

Additionally, when you create your listing on cozy, it is actually posted to multiple websites making your life easier. - https://www.zillow.com/rental-manager/   - I'm sure you've heard of Zillow.

However this definitely seems like the easier transition into being a landlord. 

I recently have gotten loans from non traditional lenders that are easier to qualify for.

It is easier to get hurt. - There are always deals to be found, if you look hard enough. 

Easier and maybe a higher LTV on the duplex they're living in. 

I didn't know how to respond and was torn between going for the highest paying W2 possible for easier financing of deals, and between going with some real estate related career (mortgage lender, RE agent, working for property management company, etc).

Id like to know if the place has been just scraping by or usually passes cleanly.

Purchased ~15 years ago at $360k, own free and clear, C+/B building in B/B+ neighborhood, currently paying themselves from property about $1200 a month, some capX items updated, clean, good screening criteria, painting and touch ups after each turnover.

It makes the whole process easier and less stressful when I have my exit strategy set.If you have to season the property before the refinance loan just make sure the interest only payments are included as part of the Holding costs in your calculations.