The best way to protect yourself investing in NYC is to buy higher quality assets and require exceptional credit credentials from your applicants to obtain approval to rent.

Just trying figure out how to get a good pool of applicants.

Before I fill out a loan application I need to know if you care what kind of dog I have?

If you have 7 renovations going on at once hopefully your GC is using some type of project management software. 

For screening, I use either Zillow's application process or if not coming through Zillow, apartments.com to run the credit and background checks.

I currently have my property listed on Zillow and have had a ton of scam applications.

We here at Aslan have over 70 investors, so we can definitely get creative and look for programs that are applicable to your unique situation.

That draws the best candidates (you'll get a lot of applications).

His book provides the knowledge you've likely already obtained, but also includes a state by state break down of if they are Lien/Deed/Hybrid states, applicable interest rates, bid method, information on redemption periods and references the states' statutes so you have a reference to keep yourself out of hot water. 

Because you are literally guessing at market rent and the PM will…1) keep your application and denial process legal2) advertise, screen and place the new tenant faster and better3) probably save you more money than they cost you.