Another benefit: three friends renting together typically need their own policies.

Typically needs 20% down, but offers lower rates and you can ditch the PMI (private mortgage insurance) once you reach 20% equity.

Not sure what 3rd party they use, I typically use transunion smartmove. 

Preparation is key, and relationships are everything.When closing a property deal, the funds typically required include a purchase deposit, which is refundable during the due diligence period, and an additional nonrefundable extension deposit.

This is typically the slowest time of year for tenant placement, at least in our local market.

It was essentially what we call syndications today. 

One issue I see with this is that I do not have a real estate license so I don't think that would create any issues with STR management, but as for MTR management it seems like there are certain limitations without a license - any feedback on that would be appreciated-Staging properties primarily for FSBO's as I know properties listed by realtors will typically have an in-house staging offering.

Typically there is a small window for you to appeal (although this could vary county to county). 

I typically plan for 5% of my rents to be saved for vacancy.

@Jonathan Greene I'm not sure what you mean by "most will not cash flow as an out-of-country investor" as it might suggest that the cash-flow of a given property has something to do with the nationality or residence of the owner but, in any case, you're absolutely correct that, historically, the net rental yields of LTRs in US cash-flow markets like the Mid-West have been typically higher than in the average European market, although that wouldn't be the case for many other US markets like California or New York.