That is a very general question and each area has its own market conditions so what works well in one area may not in another.

Sat on market for 4 months before they dropped to $125k.

Historically real estate and markets are nearly identical over a long period of time. 

Do you have an out if the market downturns and you can't refi as expected or for as much? 

So as a listing agent/broker I will need to be more optimized for this marketing and processing of inquiries. 

Tenant protection issues - We’re in CA and introduction of limits on rent increases so want to be sure that we have the lease structured so the tenant reverts to a market rate rent at the end of the 3 year period or moves out if unwilling to pay that rate.I’m struggling with the 3 year lease being long, I don’t think I could enter an indefinite (til death) lease.Another thought what if one spouse dies and the survivor remarries a younger person?

Analyze Texas and Oklahoma markets for rental demand and ROI.

For example, Florida has the Marketable Records Title Act (F.S. 712) which provides that an unchallenged deed of record for 30 years becomes a new root title extinguishing prior interests. 

Happy to send you some resources on S8, the Detroit market, etc.

Then also decide whether you want to chase down loans to find and originate or buy loans on secondary market from others.