Also, for the new move, if you don't know the city very well, I generally bias towards renting, at least for a few months.

I will also strongly encourage accessibility for pets as well. 

If he's doing work in Pennsylvania and not complying with that statute, you may want to reach out to the PA Attorney General as well.

What's the best way to navigate this situation regarding the application process as well as the lease administration?

Have multiple strategies when you're putting deals together so that if one doesn't work well, you can pivot.  

Those properties that are obviously vacant - as well as those you advertise for 'immediate occupancy' are well-known targets of squatters. 

Three and four units properties tend to be slightly more investor facing, but there are still a lot of regular buyers that pick up three and four units as well.

I’m currently doing research about up and coming areas such as this post as well as looking for local groups.

I am hoping to learn more about how investors analyze their deals and make decisions, as well as looking to better understand general real estate investing.

But since i rarely held more than a year all the others got paid off quickly so I did not have to do all the hidden tricks to try to fool the bank or well not fool the bank or servicer but make it harder for them to figure out I was now the owner.