We also added a laundry area inside the home for minimal cost but a huge draw for potential tenants.

As we intend to hold short term, the tax implications are minimal as this will be ordinary income for all involved.  

You would definitely see more refi's, pulling cash out and reinvesting, or more seller financing on deals with payments spread out over 10 years to minimize the tax hit.

You also need to make sure you understand all of the expenses that need to be considered along with the rental comps because those are the important factors needed to determine whether something is a good investment or not.Lastly, you can minimize your risk if you learn how to buy with no money out of pocket, put in a solid rehab and then refinance to cash out any money you may have potentially in the deal. 

Our target is turn-key properties needing very minimal, if any, work.

Understand if it would be best to go for low rates to minimize long term fees or shoot for maximum cash flow, considering goals above, timing on rates, and the potential shift of housing prices through an election year and uncertain economy.

This defeats/minimizes the suggestion of benchmarking. 

Purchase price: $564,375 Cash invested: $123,887This home is a duplex with an extra suite in the building so 3 units in total and has a monthly cashflow of $1,250/mo (this does not include vacancy, repairs and maintenance which are all very minimal on this property).

It's the best way to slowly gain capital with minimal risk.  

Essentially, treated lumber should last 15-20 years with minimal maintenance as long as you stain it every few years and generally maintain it.