Perhaps section 8 tenants are treated as "subhuman garbage" (quite an exaggeration, I'd say) because they are more likely to miss payments and destroy property?

Perhaps section 8 tenants are treated as "subhuman garbage" (quite an exaggeration, I'd say) because they are more likely to miss payments and destroy property? These evil landlords are not running charities. Maintnence is probably sub par because, as you mentioned, the rent is generally far below market.