I have twice received a letter, due to them arresting 2 different tenants of mine for dealing drugs, telling me that they'll seize the property, if they were to come across any more drugs in those 2 properties. 

@Brit Foshee@Samuel Sedore Thanks for the opinion...yeah, I have not received any complaints and they haven't been late on a payment in 2-yrs...I will sort it out when they decide to move...if they do.

On Friday they came back after receiving the appraisal and said they were changing their offer.

We were given court orders to receive these properties from a reciever free and clear of all liens not including municipal liens.

Seller received multiple offers and our offer was not high enough so we did not get it. 

I was buying rentals with the savings and haven't received a w-2 since '02.  

You have received some good advice so far. 

Completely new to this area and would appreciate any advice:I expect to be there at least a couple years, and will receive some housing allowance.  

You only pay tax on your net income, which is rent received less all expenses. 

While we definitely have four seasons, the lake effect saves us from receiving the worst of most winters.