The HVAC contractors have to have schooling , special equipment , trucks , office , employees , tools , insurance , licenses , and much more .

Taxes and insurance on both are pretty comparable.The first house is in a very stable, residential neighborhood in the best school corp in the area and houses seem to be increasing in value there.

People respect knowledge.) experience (If you have a history of completing deals successfully, either for your clients or yourself, experience is very helpful to share. 

What's most important for you:A- providing housing for children to live in while in school?

I currently moved back home to Los Angeles after Law School to save up some money (emergency fund and for general real estate investing).

We purchased a lot of properties in independence-we go off of the school districts mainly.

If you can afford Rancho I would do that because the school system in this city is really good. 

Purchased a villa near Tampa ~3 years ago in a good town with good schools and trying to decide if it’s time to sell or rerent... it’s an out state rental near my brother and my PM is good and tenants have been good so far but tenant just moved out.

Since I only have a year of rental history, how should I be calculating my DTI?

To answer your questions1) I think that with the area especially near the local medical school and looking at comps in the area another 10% with minor improvements (Paint, minor bathroom/kitchen changes)2) Great question I did the 70% rule minus rehab for that price.