If it is the buyer, how do you change over the escrow without triggering the DOS clause, since the bank is usually controlling the escrow account?

As a precursor to that goal, I am currently loving teaching business basics, and mentoring, and spend a considerable amount of my free time doing so!

That should naturally play high into your considerations.

Owner occupy is a way to go.And since you have family in Texas, you should really take in consideration checking out the market there!

Also adjusting for current condition- you can also take into consideration what property is selling for per sq ft to help give an idea.

That's not even taking into consideration other expenses such as utilities.

I guess I should look at this from a dollars and sense standpoint and pull the trigger because it makes money, but I want to have nice clean apartments and not catch a bad rep right off as a "slumlord. " Lol.

Another consideration is what kind of peppery you are targeting.  

Also the deal size you are talking about.If you have say 100k to work with then small balance retail condo,office, or say an old town building might work for 100k investment.Those type of properties you have to work harder for yield.My clients tend to buy properties in the millions to tens of millions in price so cash flow is a consideration but secondary usually to passiveness of the asset, equity growth long term, and high quality location for wealth preservation.   

Are the Zillow rent estimates worth any consideration or are they just pie in the sky guesses?