The PHA will also conduct their own background check on the tenant.Sign a lease and contract: If you approve a Section 8 tenant, you'll sign a lease agreement with them as well as a separate contract with the PHA outlining the terms of the voucher payments.

I would just recommend only partnering with people that you really trust and make sure that you have legal documents clearly explaining everyone's role, expectations, and contributions (both financial and work wise). 

I also have solar panels on the property with a monthly loan payment of approximately $150 a month.

Subdivided off the adjoining 3 acres to become free and clear and now am developing into 9 more units using the land as down payment for construction.

Keep solid records of every rental money move, get cozy with the right tax forms, and think about making estimated tax payments throughout the year to dodge penalties.

I'd then work my a$$ off to pile up another down payment, and buy another as soon as possible.  

I had to pass on the property because I fear I might not be able to handle “long distance” at this point since I’m just starting and do have a good team I trust in that area.

I know on property.phila.gov you can see any property's sqft but how trusting is that?

In all, we were able to do a cash-out refinance after 1 year and got our entire investment, including down payment, back into our personal accounts and we still have a cash flowing property.The beauty of smaller town and communities is that often big-time investors are not looking at them as closely and they can cash flow quite well, at the sacrifice of "natural" appreciation.

Does anyone list particular debt limits (like, "no debt in excess of $1000 that isn't in a payment plan") as part of their screening criteria?