Even though the mortgage interest deduction gets SEVERELY reduced in my income tax bracket, I'm still ok with that amount of leverage.Also the opportunity cost of possibly buying another property with some of that down payment money.Cash to buy multiple properties will not be an issue for me.  

In my instance, I let them out of a contract but asked them for an additional month's rent and security deposit.  

After additional research I found out that his license has been expired for two years.

I have designed and built several dozen projects from New Construction to whole-house remodels to deep energy retrofits to additions and kitchen and bath remodels.I'm the Owner/President of Boston Architects and Builders, Inc.

My question is, should I expect additional hoops to jump through when refinancing the first rental, even though we'll own it free and clear?

If the acquisition costs are higher, it will lower your COC.Remember, you can make just about anything "Cashflow", if you put enough money down and reduce your payment, but you reach a point where the return doesn't make sense.  

Or is there a deeper mindset that has no desire for the additional "baggage" of owning a home? 

...for a $45 additional fee no doubt :)

Thanks for your help, happy to answer any additional questions.

Or can additional names be included on the deed (joint tenancy) without negatively affecting the banks loan decision?