Sold the back building which was NOT part of the security for the loan, paid off the 11% mortgage and refinanced with a 20 year fixed 4% mortgage, paying down about $400k.  

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

note: they do have enough money to cover the first, last, and security deposit

Recently, I was lucky to sign a deal using an option agreement like Seller's finance, when you pay an Option fee, secure a deal for a couple of years, and do not pay the down payment.

Remember, most of these loans are not like your house loan, where the house is collateral, but really YOU and your income are the security of the loan.  

There are handful of crowdfunding lending companies emerged lately.They all seem to share a need to be an accredited investor to start investing.In order for an individual to qualify as an accredited investor, he or she must accomplish at least one of the following:1) earn an individual income of more than $200,000 per year, or a joint income of $300,000, in each of the last two years and expect to reasonably maintain the same level of income.2) have a net worth exceeding $1 million, either individually or jointly with his or her spouse.3) be a general partner, executive officer, director or a related combination thereof for the issuer of a security being offered.How strict is the accreditation requirement is being followed?

Feel free to reach out if you need any assistance or have questions about securing financing for investment properties.

I require a $1,000 security deposit, no exceptions and I let them know they will be paying all utilities, mowing the lawn, keeping up the landscaping and cleaning the gutter. 

I know some landlords rotate locks but personally, I'm not comfortable with that as a secure option.

If some applicants fall below your requirements, then everyone would be considered "conditional," you can raise the security deposit to mitigate your risk of someone breaking up or defaulting.