Here’s a common process:1) Pre-Screening (Before Showing the Property)✅ Inform renter of basic qualifications such as income, credit score, pets, move-in date, etc..2) After the Showing (Before Approving the Application)✅ If they’re seriously interested, have them submit a rental application + background check authorization at the same time.✅ This avoids wasting time screening unqualified tenants.3) Before Lease Signing (Final Step)✅ Run the background check before approving the tenant, so you can verify:Credit history & income stability Eviction & rental historyCriminal background (if applicable in your state)Final ThoughtThe best time is after the showing but before lease approval—this ensures you’re only screening serious applicants while minimizing wasted time and costs.

MD/VA licensees are common, having a WV license as well as the other 2 isnt that common in the area.

Another example is that with a tax auction it is common for all the interested parties to not be notified 100% correctly meaning they could in theory come back later and try to reverse the sale and take the property back!

You can't do a straight syndication but you can do a TIC (tenant in common) on such a partnership.

Is it just a matter of reaching out to GCs and asking for a list of generalized estimates for common rehab work?

if you believe this is a common outcome I have a bridge to sell you.  

That is a common arrangement as well, that can be done after the loan has closed, too. 

My ultimate goal is to build a portfolio of cash-flowing properties to achieve financial freedom.I’m currently seeking mentors who can guide me through this journey and help me avoid common pitfalls.

Most homes probably don't have a lot of common maintenance. 

They had carpeted the bedrooms and common areas, and the living room was still original wood...well I decided to pull up the old carpet and lo and behold - original wood in pristine condition.