Quote from @Cynthia Lee: Accepting even $1 could be seen as evidence of a payment plan, and the entire eviction process could be derailed.Once you start the eviction process, to not accept any payment unless it is a full payment in certified funds (cash, money order, cashiers check).

Again, depends on how you're planning to use the property (exclusively investment, blended occupancy/rental, or full-time occupancy) - if investment only an LLC would be the move. 

I sat out the boom bust since 2008 and focused on returning to full health after a spine injury.

I currently own a few properties here in Bryan-College Station, I have a full time sales job so try to stay as passive as possible. 

well there is only one answer to this Columbus Ohio.. full stop.

Owning real estate can be a full time job at times.

The other contractors that I have worked with gave me a full scope with detailed line items of what will be fixed, how much the labor is and how much the material is going to be.

Big banks and credit unions will look at a full DTI(personal income) while others will just look at the cashflow of the property.

Invest with syndicators who have a narrow niche and proven track record.For example, if an operator has done 5 or 6 workforce housing value add deals in Dallas, and they are offering a similar deal now, that would be encouraging.if however, their current deal was a brand new luxury Class A building in Charlotte and this was their first acquisition in Charlotte and their first class A deal, as an LP I would pass.Find operators who do one thing and kill it in that space.Find operators who own or have gone full cycle with similar assets in the same market.For example, my firm, Spark Investment Group has a very narrow niche - sub 100 unit MF or BTR in Greenville SC.

We don't pay much store to cosigners but when we do get them, we run them through the full application process.