Not a huge supporter of the government in many ways but if they didn't find a reason to deny them a work visa, do you really think that any amount of research you have the resources to do will come up with a more accurate result?

I am just in chapter 2 but still can’t escape the ever looming question of just how much if the net cash flow should go into saving for tenants who just might wreck/otherwise abuse the property.

The access issue with  getting into those units is always tough for prospective tenants to view the place, as well as agents sometimes get denied access as well.Lastly some complexes only allow a certain amount on non-owner occupied rentals so if you are coming in above that number they do not allow you to use it as a rental.Again this is just my personal experience owning these types in the past as well as managing them.

I have a bus in front of my house here in Hazlet that goes to NYC -- I'm at Port Authority in less than an hour. 

Get denied 99% of the time.

First, is the ability for this program to be abused by local governments to remove small individual investors from there markets?

You should never accept abusive behavior, repetitive non-payment, and other blatant violations of the contract.

I'm in Arlington (1.5 miles from the Clarendon metro) and househack with my townhouse, and I find that I have to drop the rent for my place because it's not within walking distance (<1 mile) and a bus stop is across the street that takes people to the metro every ~15 mins.

@Alex DuarteI have heard that section 8 recipients in our area are given a specific amount and are not allowed to deviate from the amount they are given, or they will be denied benefits.

If your agent tells you that a standard homeowners policy will cover your rental get it in writing because the carrier will deny the claim and you will have to go after the agents E&O insurances to pay out.