After securing a deal, your focus will shift to closing, finding tenants, and setting up efficient management.If you haven’t already, building relationships with local agents, contractors, and property managers in PA can save you a lot of time and hassle

Once the municipal/state requirements are all set, do a thorough screening for any prospective tenants, have a solid lease ready to go, and take move-in pictures to have on record for any security deposit deductions after they move out.

Well there's a reason they screen their borrowers, secure their loans with a first position trust deed/mortgage and charge a small fortune to make such a loan.

I think what I need is to find a lender partner that will work with me to secure 3-5 properties over the next year. 

Invest in a security camera—we had a break-in where someone lived in the house for days and stole appliances, which insurance didn’t cover.

Congrats on securing a good job!

That would allow you to dock their security deposit more than just for the prorated rent for those few days.

Something almost always comes up and that helps you be realistic when evaluating deals, securing financing, etc. 

Some impressive features including extensive listing/syndication and state specific guidance provided such as max security deposit.RentRedi is a flat fee for the most part and has some cool features like pre-qualification and integration with QuickBooks.

Being in control of the contract, understanding the market you're buying in, and securing the right  price are the foundations of a solid deal.