@Corri GoldenIt cannot be "up to you" how much to deduct, they probably did not explain it well.

Please let me know if you are open for some discussions and I hope to prove myself to be of great help in your journey as well.

Well first are you in California?

Charles,Welcome to the BP forum I am in Florida as well and its a great time to jump into the REI business. 

That should reduce your cost/interest rate as well.  

I would like to keep it as a rental as well.

If it was a primary residence, there are conventional low LTV's, and as a popular second home destination,10-15% down payments for a SFR is common for well qualified buyers.

But the electrical will be properly secured as well with a moisture barrier.

You can generally place a voucher tenant in any property.In order to place a section 8 tenant you will have to pass an initial inspection as well as an annual inspection where they tend to be more strict and have you fix things that you may not have addressed for a market tenant.

But also realize the seller will want (most likely) some interest as well.