Goal would be to acquire 20 rentals by the age of retirement, with some already starting to be paid off.I am in the same boat as you, and I focus on safe appreciation all day (small cash flow for safety and then focused on markets on that appreciate). 

I added 2 section 8 units to my rental mix over the past 2 years and in general, no issues. 

Ensuring your rental market can sustain these costs will help maintain profitability over time.The 7% DSCR loan is relatively high, and refinancing later at a lower rate could improve your long-term cash flow.

I am purchasing my first rental property (multi-family) unit in Salisbury North Carolina. 

I believe the place I am looking at would be a great rental investment but I am not sure if the numbers are there or rather, I am not believing the numbers.

During the diligence period make sure proper zoning/a 3 unit rental license is in place.

It appeals to desperation on both sides of the transaction, which also makes it a great online class to sell... 

Purchase price: $550,000 Cash invested: $150,000 Sale price: $800,000 "Acquired a 3-unit beachfront property in Carolina Beach, renovated to increase rental value and resale potential.

It's so much work to furnish and set up a short term rental.

Not true.I have section 8 rentals in bad areas and the churn is constant.