Especially if by deciding to allow agents to bring potential renters in, I were to reduce my days on market...holding all else equal, in the event that I did procure the ultimate renter through an agent, all it took was 14 days of incremental days on market to reach a "breakeven point".

If you insure to less than 80% of the value, the loss is reduced by the relation of the limit to the actual RC. 

At least it greatly reduces the risk of partiers... 

I have heard of people setting up group homes and renting them out to ex-cons, people with down syndrome, and sex offenders.

@Miguel HernandezI would speak to your cpa but also want to clarify that real estate let’s you “defer” taxes but not lower themA classic example is depreciation which you can reduce your tax liability each year by depreciating the property but for tax purposes this lowers your tax basis so when you sell you are then paying those deferred taxesIt helps because you can invest those funds etc or do a 1031 exchange and continue to defer the taxes but eventually you will have to pay.

This is very simple.You file eviction.Go to court.When you stand in front of the judge present the facts.Be emotionless when you speak and have timeline in a clear,concise,and quick manner.The judge listens to all kind of long BS all day long and when they get someone who keeps quiet and gives and quick and concise response you will stand in good favor with them.I usually let the tenant dig a big hole for themselves and it works every time.The less you can say is better.The judge has heard every excuse before and will quickly dispose of the tenant.Usually after the judgement is entered you can pay for a writ where the marshall will come and throw the tenants stuff out.Depending on how many writs they need to serve that month it could take 3 to 4 weeks to get them out.The tenants do not know the writ office is back up so most leave right away.Here if 500 or less of property is left and it appears they have abandoned the property you can re-key and throw the stuff out.Here if they do not file an answer in Georgia for the court you can get the writ but not a judgement.I would have to pursue them in small claims court then.So as you can see it is vary important to learn processes for your state.I condition tenants before they sign a lease.No drugs,smoking inside,sex offenders,felons,aggressive dogs,etc. will be tolerated.We do inspections once a month and if ANY lease provision is violated we evict immediately.Everyone of my tenants pays on time now and the others have left.It's kind of like having a slack employee trying to get away with stuff all the time versus a great employee that works hard.

You shouldn't have any sex predators, strip clubs, or liquor stores in the neighborhood.

This takes a little more work, but it's the most fair and reduces the likelihood of tenants that squander utilities.If you choose #2 or #3, there are considerations:Start with an average.

But I do still have consulting experience in advising senior leaders of companies on how to reduce OpEx and increase profits, so to me, this isn't foreign. 

Rodrigues right away to figure out what you can qualify for and if you qualify for any special programs to reduce your downpayment or closing costs even further!