I'm a glass-half empty type person so I always think of the worse but I want to make sure I don't leave me and my family in a dire situation.

Also, I'm in rather dire financial straits to be looking at 35k down properties; While I don't have any debt, I'm not employed and don't have much of a nest egg.

.#16 - The couple I inherited in one side of the Belton duplex recently both found jobs and instead of moving out have paid for a month rent and I've agreed to a month-to-month trial for them so I have some unplanned income coming from that unit (it is in dire need of remodel but the current tenants are content with it). 

After 1 experience I have a no friends and family rental policy unless they are dire need.

In the past the process has been pretty strait forward and I have never had a problem.  

People in dire situations want empathy, but they also want someone that inspires confidence.  

I'm sure they have a lot to teach but I would have put myself in dire financial straits for that knowledge.

It seems pretty strait forward if you follow the directions.

I also find myself in this predicament but I will tell you that I wouldn't recommend essentially buying sight unseen, and if you put in an offer most LA's if they accept it will allow you to "view the property" I would just make sure you have some outs like if you find the property is in dire need of repairs and then the tenant leaves you may find yourself with an expensive rehab.

If the unit is in dire needs of upgrades cosmetic and otherwise then you can't expect a tenant to pay for market rent when your unit isn't close.