Any advice on the process above would be greatly appreciated.

There's some mis-information and mis-understanding of AP, the process and it's effect in this thread.

Does anyone have any other tips and tricks for helping out the appraisal process so I can get the best out of the situation. also what what other things can I put in the folder to give him or what you've done in the past?

I'm moving to San Diego next year from Denver, CO and am looking to make the right personal finance decision in the process. 

I am admittedly a newb in the process of getting all of this set up for my first rental (so correct me if I'm wrong) as well but I have some IL-specific perspective to offer: From what I have read, as of 1 Jan 2024 in IL, landlords cannot exclusively accept EFT payment of rents (includes Venmo, Zelle, etc.) for leases starting on or after that date.

I like the potential of AI to streamline our real estate investment processes.

Because the payment is coming from the tenant, and not the surety bond provider, claims are always processed without a fight.If you are interested in considering a surety bond program, I recommend Obligo.

The process and management will take you 1-5 youtube videos to learn about. 

It slowed down their process because the agent had to juggle priorities.

We are not talking about a payment portal for a PM where as long as it processes, it's fine.