However, you remind me in the beginning the journey has to be slow & steady to mitigate risk.

For example, my parents and most of my childhood friends don’t like visiting Chicago or any big city because of “all the crime” as if the whole city is one dangerous neighborhood.

If the pest control tech finds that you do need to do some pest mitigation/extermination you can discuss potential next steps.

My two schools of thought: a) proceed immediately with eviction proceedings, or at least send a warning letter. b) continue trying to cordially reach them to mitigate fees associated with eviction, headache and them potentially trashing the place in retaliation.Any seasoned vets want to weight in here?

@Patrick Gledhill I would definitely talk to a lender, a way to help mitigate the debt/income ratio is to rent out the space in your house whether it is a room or basement to generate some rental income to offset your mortgage, can you do that? 

Ill likely still get a duplex but I was curious if anyone has any ideas to help mitigate this potential problem. 

If you want to cash flow at all you are most likely going to want to stay away from the most expensive areas of the city, but I am assuming you mean the more dangerous parts.

Bought brand new single family house in a new subdivision - 2400 sq ft, $350,000 priceAdded a concrete pad/patio in backyard for $2500, radon gas mitigation system for $1500 - total improvements $4000Rented out for two years, $2425 per month rent.Operating expenses includes property tax, property insurance, HOA, 3% of rent as vacancy rate, 3% of rent as maintenance reserve, interest on mortgage.monthly cashflow year 1: $2200monthly cashflow year 2: $1700 (as property tax of $500 assessed after year 1)Cash on Cash returns:year 1: $21.29%year 2: $13.15%Cap Rate:year 1: 7.55%year 2: 5.7%I read that average cap rate should be between 8% and 10% for a reasonably good deal.

North Idaho is a high fire danger place in the summer.

I understand the COVID concern, but there’s ways to mitigate it.