.- While self-managing either type of property is possible, if you hire out property management you'll pay a higher percentage for a skilled MTR manager than for someone to manage your Section 8 property.- While MTRs can be any size property, the bedroom/bathroom count is really important, especially with larger properties.

I was doing a lot of legwork and still paying RE agent for the transactions up until got my own license.pros: no commissions in your transactionseasier qualification as real estate professional to offset high W2 of spousecan get access to any house/ easy logisticsmore control in the transactionMLS access with all the information on tip of your fingers, you can move fast with the deallicense knowledge helps to make better decisions and gives broader understanding of the industrycan legally do property management for others, wholesale (many states now making outlaw to do it without license)cons:need to take an exam (it needs preparation and to be good not just barely pass you need to study)fees you pay along the way (MLS, brokerage(I signed with investor-focused on and have a monthly fee and a transaction rate))self-management including taxes and feesneed to relicense + paid education Don't forget the biggest con.

Both Prosper and Lending Club offer loans big enough to cover your 50% down payment.Something I would never recommend to most people, but as a last resort -- if you absolutely knew you COULD pay it off any time you wanted, you could put the down payment or at least a big chunk of it on a credit card and float it between 0% balance transfer offers until you get it paid off.

All my houses currently have good tenants that pay on time.

You will benefit from low-down payment options (3.5-5%), possibly reduced living expenses, appreciation, and loan pay-down.

Loan amount is low enough but be prepared for higher rate and sometimes pay a flat fee for the loan.

With negative cash flow you have to continuously pay out of pocket for repairs or upgrades.

Depending on how far these tenants are lagging market rates for their similar size and condition of unit, you can be a touch more aggressive, but likely want to keep your rates $50+ below competition, so even if they are pissed they will start shopping around and realize they will still have to pay more and incur moving costs, if they choose to leave.

If you wanted to give them a few extra days at a premium rent, that's up to you; but they need to be out as you've rented the home. 

Unless companies set up new operations in the city creating replacement jobs, all that will remain are lower-paying service sector jobs.