I'm mostly a DIY type, at least when it comes to the business of managing the rental itself.  

First of all you can forget about DIY grout cleaners.

As to the debt to income ratios, yes, payments on any installment loan having 6 months or more remaining any real estate loan with a balloon will be considered.

Just DIY!.

I'm an exceptionally fast learner and have at least average coordination, so I love the idea of learning to do as many things as possible myself.If I wanted to be equipped for the widest variety of DIY tasks as inexpensively as possible, what tools should I buy first?

They have good deals because the pricing is per foot/ installed and it's really not that bad of a price!

Basically, everything is done except for refinishing the hardwood floors, installing light fixtures, bathroom accessories (mirrors, towel bars, etc) and we are still waiting on the quartz counter tops for the kitchens and bathrooms to be delivered.  

I still have to install the cabinets on the sink wall.

I would not try to do some DIY fix.

My understanding with this is they are generally responsible for rent collection, tenant management, repairs & maintenance (small landscaping, supervision of subcontractors - which I approve and the bill is then send to me), maintaining records and such.Being my first month with my first property I was a bit surprised to see the 8% fee in addition to-Meet electrician for repairs and updates to fire alarm. 1.5 hours- $50Trip and installation charge for unit 1 window (without cost of materials)- $35Repair broken handrails (without cost of materials)- $30Cut and trim, clean loose debris- $35Unit 4 late rent collection (time contacting, travel to meet)- $25This adds $175 to the 8% ... my question is- what then is the 8% for?