I’ve just heard horror stories from landlords and I’m looking for suggestions on how to best vet tenants - Good credit, no missed rental payments in last 5 years, etc.

I'd look at the closing docs for something related to the pro-ration of expenses etc and see if you have anything there that could be a clause you point to for them to cover those payments. 

If you do, could I ask how that has been going and has the rents been comparable to the payment standards advertised by the respective housing authority?

Generally, lenders will require you to have a substantial down payment.

You might get these days 60% leverage so you'll likely need 40% down payment plus reserves and the financial institutions will want you to keep those capital reserves in their institution.If you are a new investor, there's a couple of opportunities to get started. 

Financing: I'm confident I can put $10,000 down as a down payment within the next year.

Rent was due by 5th but no communication on late payment and is not responding to my text/emails. 

I went to one of there meeting and was gonna join but as i was making payments to take the 3 day class.

If it’s verbal, they’ll need to document any prior communication or payment records to establish the relationship.If the PM is completely unresponsive, they may want to send a formal written demand for communication and payments via certified mail.

At closing, the buyer and their lender determine whether the credit will reduce down payment, closing costs, or as a credit.5.