My due diligence process was certainly tightened up after that deal and analyzing properties and understanding what things will cost is now 2nd nature to me. 

Your mortgage is based on the refi when you complete the refi.

Based on your question and your expectations, stay in index funds.

Agree , those are all incredibly important as is good property management and the ability to price the property correctly based on your competitors rates( dynamic pricing ) . 

To streamline the process, I want to ensure applicants qualify before scheduling a viewing.It would be beneficial to implement an AI-based system to consistently and efficiently ask prospective tenants the pre-screening questions I currently ask repeatedly.

What I would do today knowing what I know and based on my age (im 54 now).

I'm based in NJ and am looking to grow a RE portfolio here.

DSCR loans are based off of down payment, credit score and either actual or market rents so it helps to supercharge an investor's real estate goals and net worth.

You can use Airdna & other STR estimator tools to get data on potential income/vacancy based on your location and property size. 

Thus, they are appraised as such - valued based off the sales comp approach - i.e how much have other similar single family homes sold for?