I keep 2 months of mortgage payments in case of PM bk or theft or some kind of natural disaster preventing rents coming in.

Personally, for safety reasons (since the STR is also part of our home) I wouldn't list it anywhere else that doesn't verify identities or have a proven process for collecting security deposits, etc.

There are three main categories to consider:Confirm identityDo they pay their billsWill they maintain the propertyConfirming identity includes a government-issued ID with picture and knowing how to spot fakes.

In fact, Derek's link provided an equation almost identical to the one I provided.  

That one actually had a double identity...The stories I can tell!

@Daniel ChangThe appraisal for a refinance vs a purchase are two different things, even if the homes are identical. 

Ive also had lenders provide some information over the phone so long as the seller was on the line (3 way call) and was able to verify their identity. 

Arguably, these two ratios are nearly identical.  

On the pro side, it can hide your identity and adds a layer of difficulty.

Matt (Paul) Currently walking distance to the casino, townhomes are selling close to $500k (I personally would never go for it, but is great for my rentals),Also in Severn, Hanover, Odenton, in the past 3 years, my rents increased $3-400/mo per unit (Single Family) $200 (multi-units) mainly do to the BRAC bringing close to 6000 hi-tech jobs relocated to the Ft Meade area!