The theories I have heard are paying down debt with the profits to the point where your profits might reflect a $1 a month profit.

I won't allow myself to be rushed through a move out inspection/checklist process.My comment is not a reflection of the original poster's situation and I do think that some of these deductions sound unreasonable.

These in turn reflect back into the HOA dues.For a pure appreciation-only play, your particular situation may be ok, especially if its a newer property and you expect demand to increase in the area.

Run down properties will rent for less and thus the lack of deferred maintenance will be reflected in the income loss through lower rents and higher vacancies.Renovations and additions on the other hand rarely are paid for through short term rent increases.

E. reflects the first month that you received income on the new property.

How can I transform my thought process and response to reflect what I would like to do (without sounding like I'm selling myself) but also being transparent and personable with my honesty--I'm just not professionally doing the work I'd like to do long term.

In my experiences, @Richard Wallace, the appraisal does not jump to reflect your purchase price if it's higher than the appraised value.

., these are often arbitrary personal opinions that should not reflect poorly on the entirety of the management company.6.

After  talking with a bank..I now see there are some pros—for example when applying for a new loan, 100% of that rental  income can be reflected as income (opposed to 0% if you have no documentation or only 75% if you have a signed lease). 

One question is whether the duplex is already priced to reflect the fact that it needs a new roof.