From here I found a two neighborhoods where I thought I would likely find cash flowing properties.In these two neighborhoods I watched every house for what it was listed for rent, how long it took to rent and what houses sold for.

The old saying is "You marry the property, but date the rate" meaning the property can be held a long time but you can refinance over and over.

The process usually goes like this:Rental Listing -> Landlord and Prospective Tenant fill out and submit RTA -> Voucher office performs Affordability Study -> Landlord approves estimated rent amount -> Property Inspection -> Approval of Property by Voucher Office -> Lease & Move-InThe section 8 process in/around Baltimore and Baltimore County does take a long time these days.

Also, what type of property (turnkey or fixer-upper) / and your rental strategy (short-term vs. long-term)?

I manage Short and long term rentals.

Why do you think purchase contracts are so long and have such small print?

I gave the number to the code enforcer in hopes they respond to him  You're probably right, the old PM may be long gone.

I'm not claiming that running this outfit is passive investing, not by a long shot.

As long as you qualify for the loan independently of the funds used as the GAP funding, most lenders shouldn't have an issue.

It is not small, it is a very long and wide beach.