Hey Sara, as a first-time investor, I’d say your credit score is fantastic, which puts you in a strong position.

I'm not an loan officer, but I know some banks locally like ORNL Credit Union have offered a 0% down conventional loan product.

Quote from @Divya Sosa: Hello,I had a unit up for rental (a townhome) and received an application from Zillow which showed that she has no criminal history and credit score was good as well.

Ideally, you want a 700+ score.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

So, you want to watch tenant credit scores, see the default chart below: FICO Score Pct of Population Default Probability 800 or more 13.00% 1.00% 750-799 27.00% 1.00% 700-749 18.00% 4.40% 650-699 15.00% 8.90% 600-649 12.00% 15.80% 550-599 8.00% 22.50% 500-549 5.00% 28.40% Less than 499 2.00% 41.00% PROPERTY VALUES: What are buyers willing to pay for a property? 

., income, credit score, rental history) to evaluate applications in the order they are received.Notify Applicants: Let each applicant know you will process applications sequentially and explain your timeline for review.Act Promptly: If the first applicant meets your criteria, move forward with their application and provide them with a clear deadline to sign the lease and pay the deposit.Move to the Next: Only if the first applicant does not meet the criteria or declines the lease should you proceed to the next application.By focusing on one application at a time, you simplify the process, maintain transparency, and mitigate any potential fair housing concerns.Lastly, since housing laws can vary by location, double-check Arizona’s landlord-tenant regulations to ensure compliance with any local rules about how applications are handled.Best of luck with your rental process!

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

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

I can put up with a 1-hour work commute or a little more if it means having a house in a decently safe area.Other Info:Credit Score: 700s (due to student loan payments)Monthly Income: $4600Work Location: I commute to Northern Virginia and D.CGuys, I could really use your help or recommendations on what you would do if you were in my situation:Location: I'm thinking somewhere in PG County MD due to my commute, like Hyattsville MD.