I typically get out of work around 5:30 or so. 

The difference is the principal gets reduced in the note vs it doesn’t on your asset but you will find that over 15-20 years you will put a good amount of $ in a rental and with a note it probably gets refinanced out in 5-10 years which typically bumps your returns higher

Typical repairs include: touch up paint, carpet cleaning, light bulb and filter changes etc.

I typically show  the apartment until I have a signed agreement/deposit in hand. 

In your experience, is that not a valid concern for a typical buy and hold rental scenario? 

Typically these guys will work with you!

Typically a 730+ will get you the best rates from lenders, but there will (almost!)

The drug dealers and hookers typically move out within 30 days.

Granted, Cambridge is very different from Lowell, but make it as easy as possible for prospective tenants.Explain how to get a parking permit if required by the city, where there is typical parking, rules for street cleaning, etc.

My first partnership began, although this was not your typical partnership.