I leave virtual staging out of these photos if vacant, so there are no big surprises when people come to see the house, and it's empty.

I was thinking of putting my property into the section 8 program to get around the new lead law, at least until my current tenant leaves.

I don't think they are leaving on Feb 1st once the lease is up.

After receiving these funds, he and his partner has completely disappeared, leaving us with no communication or updates for over 2.5 years.

Sometimes, listing agents leave out vital details we can uncover up front. 

Personally, I'd be nervous to not get some type of deposit from my guest because I like for them to have "skin in the game" 

You are off to a great start because you know you don't want to LEAVE your job to do real estate, you want real estate to be a sufficient side car to the job you are already crushing out of the gate.

So, don't think you have to leave nursing in the rear view.

If she moves out in seven days and leaves the house undamaged, you can apply her deposit to the unpaid rent and forgive the rest.

If you are doing a BRRRR and leaving older items in place, not updating electrical and plumbing, I think you need $300 t0 $350 if you are just getting started.