Just look at the round number, divide by 12 and factor in what the monthly cost will be while doing your numbers on insurance, utilities(if not deferred to tenant) PM, Vac, Cap x etc.....

If the schools, streets, shopping and entertainment areas look like a C, attracting residents to pay the higher rates by upgrading the property to a A/B as you suggest (higher than the surrounding area) is typically not going to work out so well.  

Typically, employer sponsored plans can not be rolled over until you are either no longer working for this employer or reach a retirement age.To find out for sure contact your employer (or plan administrator) and inquire with them if they allow for "in-service distribution". 

The demographic of a corporate traveler is typically someone traveling alone and looking for their own place rather than a hotel.

If the borrower stopped paying and you had to foreclose, what would foreclose away, what would be left for you to take on like taxes and utility liens, how long will that take and what would it costs - weigh those numbers with the cost of the note.Next, is the borrower.  

But I ran the numbers out by me and I couldn't figure out how to sneak out a profit on a typical starter home (1600 sq ft with basement selling for 225k). 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe I heard a portfolio lender is one that keeps their loan versus selling, can have a shorter or no seasoning period, and you can typically have more than 6 or 10 loans with them.  

You need to figure out your own niche and utilize your strengths and minimize dealing with your weaknesses.

She pay the water bill and her utilities.

For example, is there a local building society that typically tracks this info, or does it require calling carpenters, local planning departments etc?