Now with the increased supply of STRs, and less demand, everyone is dropping prices to compete.  

Quote from @J Zhang: There is no requirement to have that statement.

What are some realistic numbers on upfront $$, creative financing, carrying costs, etc?

Denying application because of pet is not about discrimination (man they abused this word so much), it's about who pays for the cleanup cost.

All we would like to do before repairing the ceiling is to get his confirmation that he no longer experiences any leaking.

Multi-family without separate meters may need more unique billing arrangements such as passing the costs through to each tenant on a square footage basis.As far as insurance, landlord will have to maintain their own insurance per mortgage requirements.

(I have photos of the shower that my tenants had send me and there was no crack or holes) He is now quoting me $6k to change the pan or $9k to replace the entire pan and walls.I told him I need time to speak to my partner (husband) we call him later and he said he would call us back but never did. 

It’s warm but not unbearable, and with little to no snow, it’s more desirable for people trying to escape those conditions. 

Demand is greater than supply.

If I had to come up with the down payment, closing costs, etc. it would be tight, and I worry that I wouldn't have enough working capital.Thank you for your help!