My question to the community is this : From this position, what should we have said in response to her question?

All before the action winner closes. 

In any case,  while the animal is not a pet it IS considered an extension of the tenant,  and thus any behaviors it does like damaging carpets/furniture/barking/making messes which cause waste or nuisance can be used to file notices against the tenant just as if they themselves were doing those actions.   

That's just the way it is.Now... that's not all a bad thing, because that same action is what's going to drive your property up in value over the next few years.

If you have positive cash flow on the property (and that's how it shows on your taxes too) Then you can use the cash flow as additional income to qualify for another loan.

It seems to have a positive feedback on this thread.

I'm in a similar position as you in terms of looking at different brokerages and what they have to offer.

So margins & positive cashflow optimization are something I ponder often. 

I would like positive cashflow but more importantly I need a tax break (which most people don't mention here). 

We are excited to put the 'scientific method' into action and are eager to learn and navigate a new business.