Given the timeframe, and the fact that property values have risen across the country, there is a good probability your property has increased in value.. 

That would still be a very nice return over the long long term, despite a few years upfront of fronting a bit of negative cash flow.Also, another consideration is that any increase in rents caused by inflation can push these from $0 cash flow to positive cash flow.

@Joe Lambert You can bifurcate taxes but that’s generally used to increase the depreciation at a faster rate -earlier on.

I’m getting my license so that I can increase my income and knowledge to be able to do deals, but I want to stay heavily in the investment sector if possible, and was wondering if you guys even use home inspectors, and if not why?

Exit strategy is sell in 5 years, increase rents as much as possible, and get into a bigger deal.

This is a pretty significant increase in salary for my family.

Minimal (though increasing the last few years) scumbag upsell.

Are recent pay stubs enough to prove the drastic increase or will they ask for another tax form?

I feel like the trick is to know what you want to invest in and then learn enough about it to make sure that you minimize risk while increasing your return. 

It is technically true that you won't see a mathematical "gain" for several months or even years depending on the situation, but a lower rate will immediately increase your cash flow each month which could be a good benefit.