I have been extremely lucky in the past with tenants, so I guess it's my turn to get a knucklehead. 

Worst case you will get a first hand education from people that are actually doing deals in your area. 

Here is why I don’t get the math and I’m sure someone more educated and experienced than myself will be able to see the flaws but for exampleSay I lose 200 dollars a month on the property..... that’s 2,400 a year x 30 years.  72,000 dollars over the course of 30 years.

My guess is the real reason they won't "give" you water is that they don't want what you are doing.

I guess my question would be, other than private financing or owner financing (both options I am exploring), how do others deal with the length of the loan?  

I guess it is the same in PA.You also need to consider what your purchase price range is. 

We also have a Newbies Subgroup meeting especially for new investors but all meetings have educational content for all levels of real estate investors.

I'm guessing it's 76541 - the older area of Killeen?

I am a new investor and have been on the education track.

So I guess I'm just wondering is this a legal request the landlord can make ?