I personally invest in La Crosse, Wisconsin with a mixture of LTR's and MTR's ranging from single family to small multi-family. 

I am going to assume that what you mean by "main purchasers" is the majority.Let me finish by saying that I am not a political person, I'm one of the diminishing numbers who believe no politician deserves a flag or a yard sign.

Income taxes vary by person and jurisdiction.

They even in their heart of hearts really want to, and really try, to leave a place "move-in ready" for the next person.

Personally, I'm all in on the location and amenities game for max rental cash flow.

Personally, I prefer the CRM approach (see diagram) since the homeowner communication is critical -- besides, without them, there is no deal.   

It’s crazy that a person who is getting good government assistance doesn’t pay.  

Replicating my experience with “sewer gas” could be a stretch BUT 10 years ago in my apartment building there was a mentally ill person who alway smelled sewer gas when no one else could smell it.

As to your specific questions, I'll try to give my personal thoughts.

You might also try Karl Hausmann at Marsh Mundorf Pratt Sullivan & McKenzie in Mill Creek. he handles both personal and real estate law.