What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.?

What about the second and third year when you no longer have the labor-intensive initial setup?

If you manage to get this off the ground and do some verified - meaning paperwork is in your name, or company's name, etc - projects that turn a profit, and you build some capital in a bank, you should be able to go right to that lender after a year or two and start a relationship no problem.  

Hi all,Happy New Year! Just purchased my first STR in Sevierville, TN. Closed mid-December and was able to get two bookings for the holidays. I know January and February are slow months, but looking for suggestions to...

I have pulled a permit for removing a fireplace, but probably would not have but I had a significant remodel going with permits and did not want hassle of him making an issue of removing the fireplace (the inspection for fireplace removal consisted of only verifying gas cap was in visible location, he did not even spray it).

Do any of you have some advice for this initial flip?

Security systems are easily outsmarted, that’s the point of the initial visit, to case the joint. 

Options like a unique amortization schedule or a 3/2/1 or 2/1 stepdown interest rate could provide initial relief to get you through the renovation phase while giving the seller confidence in a structured payoff plan.To determine an entry point, consider reducing the price based on the current NOI.

@Martti Eckert in our opinion, you'll need to be really familiar with construction, including costs, or be able to find somoen on the ground you can REALLY trust (but still verify).

Quote from @Jeff Calcaterra: We have a potential tenant new to the area who has gone through a paid background check, signed a background check authorization form, sent us a LinkedIn profile, sent an offer letter and says he is willing to send us paycheck stubs, but says he doesn't want us to call HR to verify employment because he is supposed to have found housing already.