@Josh Sabourin Run the numbers man.Total rent cost scenario = rent due every monthTotal own cost scenario = PITI due every month, + utilities, - interest tax deduction, - principal reduction, - avg YoY appreciation/12, - forced appreciation (if you fix it up.)For example, a completely made-up scenario where the numbers are made-up but demonstrate a very real principal:Total rent cost scenario = ($1500) Rent = $1500 true internal monthly costTotal own cost scenario = ($2300) PITI + ($250) utilities - $150 interest deduction - $450 principal reduction - $300 [2% YoY/12months] - $150 [Assuming $9,000 of value added from improvements divided over five years living in home] = $1500 true internal monthly costOnce you've calculated your total liability for each scenario, then you should weigh out the non-tangible benefits of each:Renting - increased mobility, limited responsibility for repairs and things, lower up-front out-of-pocket cost.Owning - Net worth of owners across the US has been shown to be much greater than renters.

NOTICES: All notices under this lease must be in writing and are effective when hand-delivered, sent by mail, or sent by electronic transmission to (Do not insert an e-mail address or a fax number unless the party consents to receive notices under this lease at the e-mail address or fax number specified

And all of our applications are electronic so there's nothing to hand them. 

Everything else has to come internally - wanting to do a good job; wanting to build your own business; wanting to leave a legacy for your kids; etc.

The international Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) is a non-profit organization of the nation's best real estate ....

so we are considering the idea of collecting rent online using one of the various available websites out there. my questions are 1 - do you collect electronically or in person?

VA law requires you mail this regular US mail, unless your lease specifies otherwise,  If your lease allows electronic notifications, and most do, you can send the notice by e-mail.Feel free to PM or call me if you need help.  

Is it only for US citizens or also for international investors?

Navy federal at the time had some internal requirements from my understanding that prevented them lending on multi-families and this may have changed since then. 

The portion that you live it would fall under Section 121 of the Internal Revenue Code.