I have done several extensive competitive analysis of residential property management companies in Florida. 

I've done a pretty good job building my lists up but I think I have analysis paralysis!

Insulation is a cheap no-brainer, but the furnace requires some analysis of the payout.

I mean present your property and deal analysis professionally.

Appreciation will make millionaires (and billionaires)out of certain people reading this book, but your deal analysis should not assume it.  

Paying off credit card debt is a good thing, but if you use the card the average balance will still be used in your ratio analysis because they know you'll continue using the cards.As to seller financing, you're still looking at the ability to pay, which will include credit standings  be met for any future take out loan, you're not avoiding much and I doubt the pool of applicants will increase because of Freddie, USDA, FHA and VA. 

Run your financial analysis and the questions will answer themselves.

@Ted Fall @Ellie PerlmanTed: You need a good underwriting analysis to help inform your decision making.

Very nice post and analysis.

So you need to be more accurate doing the analysis.