Personally I was not stoked on the engagement fee and on that particular project, the listing agent (who promised to notify us if anyone else was kicking the tires on the lots) sold one of them and the project didn't make sense at the new number or units. 

Picking up flexible part-time jobs to qualify for a mortgage is definitely a smart move, as conventional lenders typically look for consistent W2 income.

Agree with others that you will probably need to lower the rent - suggest 5% every 2-4 weeks until activity picks up. 

These 2 came from this huge list of leads that just came to me for free without paying or any effort. 

I was picking his brain about the attitude and culture of the locals towards real estate investing and out of state investors.

The home you saw listed with the $339 HOA are the townhouses that were built last year.

A realtor doing high volume, you don't have to use one you can poll 3-5 agents see what they do to get you the comps and then pick that person to help you.

Pick a screening platform/application that makes sense for you.As for meeting the applicants, I recommend meeting them at the property to show the place to them rather than getting coffee or food with them.

I am glad they realize that I should not be responsible for the cost of a toilet that failed due to a guest accidentally dropping a vape in the toilet and picked up the replacement cost.  

I'm thinking I'll try out stressa and baselane for a week together and pick one.