From our experience, when an established process is consistently followed, the tenants take it seriously and respond.

Once you have a contact with a chapter established you can start looking for a property that might work. 

I take my time finding good tenants that are working and can afford the rent, then I treat them with respect and don't raise their rent every year.

Do you prefer working with individual freelancers or established teams, and why?

If the answers are "yes" and "no" to those questions, respectively I'd highly suggest you look into Detroit's down payment assistance program.

We are able to add some of the expenses back to your income.If that is not enough, we can do non conventional (Non QM), and once you establish 2 years anniversary as self employed, we can use 12 months of bank statements.

Its an older established city with very pretty tree lined streets etc etc..

Be respectful to the inspector and apologetic for the troubles the tenant has caused them and the neighbors.

The WA state credit union wherehe wanted to establish himself with a checking/savings accountrefused to take him. 800 credit, federal worker, very reliable, butout of state ID.

I respect architects but they often don't know and/or don't care about the cost of doing things one way vs. another or how a simple choice can have an outsized impact on your budget.