Other than basic protections for the property, your best bet is to document everything, add up the costs and send them a bill when they leave.

Growth during a recession is not what I want to bet on.

If the home condition is ok and this is a decent area with demand for such homes, it seems to be a sure bet to me.

If buying a 1-4 family, your best bet would be a traditional 'vanilla' loan (think Quicken Loans, or just calling Bank of America and getting a regular 30 year fixed loan)If buying a 5+ unit, talk to a commercial lender. 

Either way, minimum loan sizes aren't going down.Your best bet is to get a local bank to cash out the portfolio.

The "responsibility" to facilitate the repair hinges on which party your lease says is responsible for the item in need of repair. 

3/2 with one living room is a standard modern floor-plan so I bet 95% of your potential buyers or tenants would rather have a second bathroom than a second living.

A lot of lenders will want to see the numbers you've run on rents and expenses, and if the numbers work for their requirements, they still can lend to you.Also, if you are willing to look and network to find a reliable team, considering out of state markets could be a good bet for you as well. 

@Yonatan Your best bet is discussing your personal plans & situation with an attorney

Also, with NJ online betting I could only imagine the impact this could have on AC.