All my questions are designed to see that they meet my criteria without tipping my hand as to what the criteria is.

I don't know about this first-hand, but here is a website that might help you sift through the details and processes:http://www.doleta.gov/business/incentives/opptax/

I've read differing opinions on this topic and would like an experienced hand to provide his/her opinion... paging @Steve Hamilton II or @Amanda Han :)

I know that there's nothing like hands-on learning, so I think its a good trade-off.

In my case I have a handful of properties renting for $800 per month that I paid roughly $40,000 for, thus a 2% monthly rent.

Not that its impossible because it can be done and if the law allows in thats ok on one hand.

The house would need some fixing up but we would include fix up money in the loan...This is where I sheepishly admit that every single time I got my hands on 5-10K for 10 years, I bought a house.

Mostly hands off, as tenants have been decent.

I've always walked in with my credit report in hand before I talk to a lender and ask them what they can offer to someone with a credit report like this?

But on the other hand, do you want them to make repairs themselves if that's what they decide to do?