Since then I haven't paid a penny more than the monthly payments.

It could just as easily be argued that nobody would invest in building a coal power plant without the many tax credits allocated to those projects, or without being able to mine coal on public land for pennies on the dollar.

Penny smart, pound foolish.

You can sugar coat it all you want, with all of your success stories/history/experience.

Professional advice is worth every penny in a situation like this.Also, if your state court has a free online database, you might search by name if you know any of them. 

Tend to be solid foundations, little exterior maintenance, updated electrical, copper plumbing, good layouts, not too close to other houses, solid neighborhoods, one level living.

A 2% rent ratio house or higher is like a penny stock. 

Could you raise the rent significantly by renovating the kitchen and bathroom and throwing in a new coat of paint?

Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish.

Try to come up with a draw schedule that is equal to the work that is done and don’t pay a penny until all the work for that draw is completed and inspected.