Verify employment and call previous landlords to avoid tenants with red flags.Rent Setting: Research comparable rentals in your neighborhood to ensure your rent is competitive.Use Technology: RentRedi is a great choice.

@Cheng ChuMcKinney is a fantastic market with strong population growth, and it’s a great choice for single-family home (SFH) investments.

Should it simply be one of two choices: deny application or accept application with ESA exemption even if the property qualifies for the FHA exemption?

Lots of good choices! 

Honestly have never touched the traditional mortgage side of the bank. 

The benefit is significantly less red tape compared to working with your traditional local banks who also do new construction financing.

Market selection is tough because there are so many choices.

If the community is well-managed and there’s good rental demand, a condo could be a solid choice.

Hard money loans typically have higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms than traditional mortgages.

Your choice should align with whether your goal is quick resale or long-term rental income, and you should consult lenders who specialize in both DSCR and rehab-friendly options.Best regards, Stevan