Both of these programs pay less than the employees regular pay.  

We regularly offer debt transactions on a P&I basis but have never offered amortization on a deal thus far and are curious as to whether or not that would increase the appeal on a 5-year investment. 

When I did hire a lawyer due to a tenant problem they had me send two of the exact same letters, one by regular mail, and one return receipt where you get that green card back. 

Sorry to hear this, however,  it's very common for them to go up if there hasn't been a recent sale and your county/city office doesn't do regular assessments/updates. 

We are hired BECAUSE we perform a service insulating the landlord from self-doubt and recrimination that comes from believing sob stories, getting bullied, failing to follow-through, etc.And yes, I sleep very well at night because I sympathize and empathize and cry right along with them when I'm in front of the judge getting the eviction. 

Like many of you, I work in a field which keeps me in an office setting with a regular 8-5 schedule (with the commute, it is more like 7-6).

A HELOC is probably a cheaper option but I am also not a fan of leveraging the roof you depend on for sleeping under to finance your first investment.  

I'm leaning toward cash but then, I'd bought all my houses with cash (I just sleep better when my rentals don't have mortgages).If you need the mortgage interest to help with your tax situation, then finance.Gail

Most regular banks like chase and bank of america will not count this income from the other units until you have two years of history as claiming the income on your taxes.

Maybe you can even find expert investors in your area and just shadow them on a regular basis.