Once they have seen the property and are interested, the prequalification and background checks will do the rest of the work in weeding out undesirable tenants for you. 

They expect you to live in one unit, BUT I have never heard of anyone from the lender go and  check in on you to see if you are actually living there. 

And with an HOA handling maintenance, have you checked their reserves?

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Get a gander at your competition and see what they are offering and take it up a notch.You might check Fiverr or TaskRabbit (not sure for interior designer) and see who is out there.They should be able to help you out remotely and without spending a ton of dough.

I am looking for the same thing and wanted to check in with the BP forums so figured i would revive this old thread.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Obviously need to check zoning and set up costs etc. 

Given the property is located in the Poconos and the property is vacant more regularly as an STR there are proactive measures  you should  be taking such as making sure there are heating sources so that the plumbing does not freeze and ensuring there are no blocks in the plumbing lines with routine checks.

But last I check their requirements for LTV/DSCR was very strict.