We vastly prefer brick-veneer properties when we can get them, slate roofs always a plus, the least major upgrading and modification on the original build possible.

@Joseph Cacciapaglia I couldn't agree with you more, and like you I find people's concepts of economics vastly different from those I studied in university.

Not a super-helpful answer I know, but the options are pretty vast!

The vast majority of lawsuits against Landlords are for wrongful eviction, security deposit disputes, and Fair Housing Violations.

Look for someone more local, or that would treat your property special rather than big box managers that just treat you as a plug and play member in their vast management portfolios. 

Now the landlord has to eat the cost of the attorney, it took a month or two longer, probably will raise rents, screen harder and ultimately the vast majority of good tenants get to pay the price.That's why I donate my time to the RPA Rental Property Association of Wisconsin, which is a local non-profit REIA and we lobby in Madison for sustainable landlord tenant laws - if you are a Wisconsin investor, please consider joining.Excellent analysis!

The vast majority of investors don't understand and are quick to dismiss the potential.

What you will find is that about 10% of the agents do 80% of the business, then you have some that do okay and the vast majority is doing 3 deals a year or less.

I became very engaged in this post because I have such a vastly different concept of, well, everything revolving around this, that apparently I really am stark raving mad, or a genius, or a bit of both....To the specific, what are some of my concerns....

The “students” in these programs, for the vast majority, have none and receive none of the above base requirements for a successful entry into the field.