The landlord would see that you actually care about the property and the prospective guests would envision themselves in a property that is comfortable and cozy.

I work in the mortgage industry and my husband is an engineer and we are blessed to both have jobs that already allow us a comfortable lifestyle and high savings rate. 

I believe that based on my experience, I'm most comfortable buying and holding, also buying properties that don't need major rehabbing (although if it's in a good neighborhood - read great appreciation opportunity - I'm open to rehabbing). 

But we're open to keeping them for now, especially in this climate (still gathering all info on tenants) Info on us: We both have comfortable day jobs, and would have emergency reserves after purchase of this property (i.e. this property won't need to feed us).

Practice analyzing properties that are on the market even if do not intend to use the MLS for your purchase that way you are comfortable analyzing properties and the more times you do the better you get at it.

It's def making me feel more comfortable in taking that first step.

Get out of your comfort zone and when it gets hard keep going, it will be worth it if you are passionate and dedicated!

Just find the right balance of protection you're comfortable with.

Any portfolio lenders comfortable lending at 70% with half term IO, 25-30 amortization, and limited P&I/tax/insurance/replacement reserves would be right in their sweet spot. 

@William Richard Arens although there is not a law that prevents them from selling you the property at below market value, since you are their child, the IRS would consider that portion of the sale as a gift.