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

I invest in mid to upper-income areas where good credit scores and high earners aren't hard to find. 

Unless you are incredibly confident in your reno assumptions, I'd recommend getting a contractor out there ASAP to give you an accurate reno estimate if you want to go that path.

@Jerry Tilley 30 year fixed rates in the 6s totally available with strong credit score today via DSCR in North Carolina.

Hello,We have tenants that moved to Florida from out of state and didn’t have rental history, jobs, and also a low credit score.  

This is all dependent on your credit score, property type, etc.

During solar peak time, the CAISO market also routinely sees generation from renewables exceed the total grid load, which is quite incredible. 

This type of renovation can be relatively cost-effective, especially if it doesn’t involve major structural changes, and it often resonates well with buyers looking for contemporary living spaces.Best Regards,   Incredibly helpful as I amGoing through a draft scope of work right now 

Here's some guidance on buying your first investment property in Southern California or Columbus, Ohio:Down payment:For investment properties, lenders typically require 15-30% down payment on your first investment15% down is possible with excellent credit (700+ score)20-25% down is more common, especially for multi-unit propertiesSection 8 considerations:Pros:Guaranteed portion of rent from governmentPotential for longer-term tenantsMay be easier to fill vacancies in some areasCons:More paperwork and inspections requiredRent amounts set by local housing authorityPotential property damage concernsOther tips:Research local markets carefully - price trends, rental rates, etc.Factor in all costs - taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacanciesConsider starting with a single-family home or small multi-unitBuild a team - real estate agent, property manager, contractorsHave cash reserves beyond just the down paymentUnderstand landlord-tenant laws in your chosen locationI'd recommend talking to local real estate agents in both areas to get more specific market insights.

Many lenders generally have a 1-year lookback window where things will change as soon as its been 12 full months without a mortgage late (then will essentially no longer be a penalty besides any effect on FICO score)