Hey @Jared Curry - congrats on jumping into the rental property investing game! 

I think it is illegal to discriminate against Section 8 and you have to consider Section 8 with the exact same magnifying glass as every other tenant.As for finding the tenant from hell, always remember that just like a clown going to an interview for a job, applicants always put their best 'Game Face' on when you are interviewing them.

Hey there everyone,New to the game but looking forward to getting to know some more of you guys on this platform!

Most agents have zero clue what they're doing in the rental game.

Still red tape but a definitive end game Pavlov law approach:Food, shelter, water, safety, comfort and I will throw in livelihood.Get your contract out and read it thoroughly.  

I've been keeping up with BiggerPockets for years, and then decided to get my broker license and get in the game myself.

Its why this whole RE game is so very market specific  one size simply does not fit all. 

Now I haven't been in the STR game for long, but I do happen to have the largest portfolio of long term rentals in the Cleveland market so take this for what it's worth.....Some speculation based on some semi related experiences being the biggest name in the game in regards to LTR's.To me a lot of the problems you are encountering are a direct result of what type of property you're renting out.

I'd have a game plan for financing for the next, next, next... property. 

Doing these things is looking at the long game, not the short game.