I realize most title companies at this present time do not have a buyer and seller meet at the same time, but they still would be interacting  a little bit at the closing table with a notary. 

No bribes, just actual human 2 human interaction, talking and negotiating.

Google Interactive GIS Map "CITY NAME HERE" and start browsing the area.3.

Even now as I have a part-time job at Home Depot, I interact with contractors almost every day.

While all of the screening process is important, the credit score is the first and primary thing I look at, and seems anecdotally across hundreds of interactions I've had with landlords to be the single best determinant of whether the relationship will work out. 

I won't use the names of the people I've interacted with as I believe this is more of a reflection on how Chase home lending conducts business than each individual person.tldr; Use Chase home lending for a mortgage on an investment property if you want to suffer and risk losing your deal.I got a pre-approval from Better.com.

Between refinances and new purchases it looks like most appraisals I've interacted with are busy enough to be pleased and in no hurry to take anything that seems overly challenging. 

Seller's dont want to interact with buyers in any capacity.

You will find a lot of help on these forums, everyone that I have interacted with on here has been happy to help and provide good feedback and advice. 

Make sure when you interact with this person that you have a third party with you as a witness.