The $275k - $300k price point is right along with average to median prices which, absent a significant down payment, tend to fall outside of acceptable profit margins from a buy and hold perspective. 

That way, if something happens and we can't do these medium-term furnished rentals, we still have a cushion to fall back on. 

I am house hacking a duplex I purchased this fall

I am also noticing that some of these buyers loans' don't get approved and the deals fall through 45 days or more down the road due to the buyer not being qualified.

I would consider a multi unit property too if the cards fall that way.

They seemed to be happy and they nodded in understanding.THE SECOND MONTHSomehow during the second month, when the newness wears off and the happiness falls into a routine, the new tenants become confused.

These windows are 50 inches above the floor and the "fall" would be about the same. 

@Jay Patel Generally, if you hit a house in Dayton, cashflow falls out.

If I sell a house, and the buyer falls through it only affects me.   

The percentage of smokers is small and falling each year, so you would be catering to an increasingly smaller segment of the population that tends to be poorer.