They not only provide rentals to those who want them but they also inherently boost the economy by maintaining these homes and other associated expenses/taxes. 

Even at every 6 years....if the house is maintained, there won't be problem.

houses are real easy to maintain and you don't have central heat and air to worry about and that is a biggee in many parts of the country.

Good job maintaining control. 

Ive never done blown in on exterior walls (though I do have one home from ~’46 that definitely has it) just because it settles and in the cold here it sucks, you get a ~20*C spread from top to bottom on a 9’ wall.I mentioned using it as a feature mainly because if you’re trying to maintain some of the character of the time period you may be able to make it work but if for example you’re turning this into a modern designed / staged home exposed planks may not really fit in.

You need someone who is hard working, is going to maintain the property, raise rents, and get you the best ROI possible.  

For now, I think I'll do the following:1) Run the various scenarios in a spreadsheet to see the true impact.2) Maintain the relationship with the second bank by referring clients to them.3) Be thankful for the low rate that I've got!

One could argue that there are some tax savings because perhaps you could deduct some "general expenses" but I think the cost of establishing and maintaining an LLC might wash that benefit. 

@Ed Chamberland Why not do both: hire a bookkeeper that will establish and maintain a software up to date for you on a consulting basis.

They are a number of off market very well maintained properties (2 & 4 unit places) that I have been negotiating on in great neighborhoods.