You can typically count 75% of the previous rental income (from the units you will not live in) toward your qualifying income.

There are several companies that offer properties in Dallas but aren’t based locally.

However, many sellers will not accept an offer subject to an appraisal. 

@David LewisRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Who would typically take care of these? 

A refinance into an LLC avoids this risk but typically requires a commercial loan with higher rates and stricter terms.If asset protection is the main goal, umbrella insurance may suffice without disrupting financing.

IE rent to a tenant for >12 mo,  dating before marriage, no late payments then with a down paymetn (long story here)  I'll sell on either a contract for deed (typically mobile homes on land) or a note and mortgage (regular nicer houses). 

If you're doing a rate and term refinance, there's typically not a seasoning period but again it's common for lenders to require it be rented first.If you're doing a DSCR cash out refi, it may not need to be rented first but you're probably paying a higher rate.Your best option is to call a loan broker you trust and go through the options based on your current situation.

Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Army Veteran so I was fortunate not to have a lot of the typical expenses or a down payment.