One of the reasons I did not get my realtor license was because I felt that I had been in business longer than most brokers and I have been known to do creative financing on some properties.

And whatever a property is purchased for it must work for financing (your lender is your ally!).

An agent told me that 9/10 transactions they handle are cash and not financed - so i think in this particular submarket going in with financing really weakens you.  

I also have a lending partner who can finance STR deals with only 15% down if you wanted to preserve some capital.

What are your best tips for screening tenants, especially for student renters?

Financing is important but your realtor will absolutely be the determining factor whether you purchase correctly or not. 

My investors expect me to source financing for a deal and not retain a service to do what I am expect to do as part of my fees.

I have just read through the four years of this thread and found some great tips, thank you to the OP @Thomas Youngman and all the content others have provided.

For context, I will be assuming his VA loan at 5.1% and he will be doing seller financing for the remaining equity and sale price. 

Share your stories, tips, and insights!