One thing to remember is that you want to be consistent with the variables you are plugging into the equation.

The 1 or 2% Rule is supposed to make you do your Due Dilligence and plug in the numbers to make sure that you can Rent the place after all the fix up costs and PITI and unforseen Costs for at least $100 a month Profit.

I find that jumping through the hoops (keeping DTI low, having reserves, high down payment, W-2 and all bank statements) is a pain in the butt. 

Heres a "Litmus Test" I plug in ,and apply before I consider buying any REI course or coaching program01.

After you plugged in all the number, it will tell you which approach is more superior: take the cash today or collect them for the next 10 years. 

We plan to replace all lighting and plug/switch plates.

Marketing a stand alone web site is very difficult but I figure that someday a marketplace will open up where I can plug in my web site and start getting traffic. 

They then issue title insurance to cover their butts just in case there was a mistake made (if you were buying the property).  

There are a lot of plug-ins for both wordpress and WIX that do bookings but I don't know if I'd recommend really trying to bypass the big dogs. 

No, just Gov. kicking out OUR $ to cover there buddies butt's.