This depends on if you are using the Cash or Accrual method of accounting for tax purposes.

I had to write 18 checks and fill out 18 single page forms (local government efficiency at its finest) yesterday to catch up. 

I'd send out 500 at a time, using a different mailer/method weekly.

Sure, I could look for a higher paying job, but I was wondering if anyone has any creative short-term methods to improve my ratio.

But why would that make them want to use this financing method?

There are several different methods you can use.

I have heard that it is common practice that private money lenders collect a monthly fee thru various methods, I'm trying to determine what those methods are.   

My experience with friends/some clients is get their numbers via whatever method you can and reach out via the phone.

These methods include: Detailed Engineering Cost ApproachDetailed Engineering Cost Estimate ApproachSurvey or Letter ApproachResidual Estimation ApproachSampling or Modeling ApproachExperience or “Rule of Thumb” ApproachIt’s important to understand the differences between the approaches including which one best fits your property and the reliability of each approach.DETAILED ENGINEERING COST APPROACHThis approach compiles the costs from construction and accounting reports to build a report.

@Treza Edwards "I am reading the Rental Property Investing book and implementing the method that focuses on cash flow and that strategy states you need to have $300 cash flow per month, per property.