What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.?

For investors who want a "perfect property" Rent To Retirement sells new construction homes in more expensive neighborhoods for a higher price point.

FHA loans are designed for primary residences and require the borrower to be an individual, not a business entity.

To analyze deals efficiently, focus on key metrics like cash flow, cap rate, and expense ratios—make sure rental income covers mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance while hitting your 6% cap rate target.

When you finance through national lenders, in your experience, is a balloon a common requirement for commercial loans of this nature or is it possible to get a fixed rate for 30 years?  

You might find the answers to your questions there but I know that the search function is less then optimal so feel free to send me a DM if you don't easily find what you're looking for.I've never bothered commenting much about Canada because, until recently, it made no sense for US investors to invest in Canada: much less favorable mortgage conditions if they could even get one, much more expensive prices on average and much less profitable on average.

This does pose a challenge since that real estate is a lot more expensive than if you go more west and south.

From Land Guy " Landvision to make lists, but it's expensive (3800 per year, but you get unlimited data).

While you certainly need the cash flow to cover expenses solidly, sacrificing a little to buy in an area with higher values may end up being a better long term play... likely to have less turnover, higher tenant demand, better appreciation from owner occupants driving prices up, etc.All the best!

If that were the case, I would sell my house and live in a tent because it's less expensive.