Thanks in advance. you think its high, but wait until you have to send escrow statements annually, tax forms, and oh by the way if its owner occupied and you are not sending CFPB monthly compliant statements to the borrower they can contest the loan and be forgiven any default interest. 

The current owner is way below market rent.

My questions are assuming that the owner will maintain homeowners insurance to cover STRs. 

Additionally I tend to get first looks from developers, direct owners, and other brokerages before stuff is listed because they know me and that I screen buyers and make sure they have the ability to purchase and are not flakes and time wasters.  

So, if the added cost of the mortgage is less than the monthly savings, the owner/buyer is LOSING money if they don't build with energy efficiency. 

If you are able to find an investment whose previous owners were renting below market rents, it's an easy solution to raise rents to market.How Can I Affect Cap Rate?

The prior owner that my friend bought the house from had been using city water and sewer (and paying water/sewer bills) for 25 years.

Those expenses are passed onto each owner in special assessments or HOA fees.If you want a very hands off rental that you can manage yourself, maybe from a distance, Condos are a great option.Condos rent fast because they are usually newer and there is a lot of amenities that can't be found in apartments.

Hey BP,Im starting to put out offers looking for my first owner occupied duplex!

In Maryland, a Legal Agent is required if the Rental Property Owner resides outside the State of Maryland; including nearby D.C., Virginia.