We use petscreening.com they screen the pets legal documents and follow all applicable laws per your state. 

State law says the contract is binging it’s just a matter of getting the executor of the estate (the daughter) to sign the documents at closing.

What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.?

Tenant or just neighbor, someone asking you to print off a document for them is not a big deal.

(for documenting properties, drawing rehab ideas on a digital sketchbook, checking Zillow, etc.

Go to Etsy and search for "rental property tracker," and you will find hundreds of nice spreadsheets to track 10-20 rentals, usually for under $10.Software has extremely helpful features like online payments, marketing syndication (click a button, and your property is advertised on multiple sites), electronic document review/signing, maintenance tracking, and owner reports.

Some also buy in their name and use form W-8ECI.We have a document that covers all this.Couple of other thoughts:1) Recommend you pick a Property Class first, as that often impacts where you decide to invest.

DSCR would be an option, however, if you can qualify for a full a documentation loan your rate and terms (like your upfront closing costs and pre-payment fee that come with most DSCR options) are better with a full doc loan.

Unsuccessful Property Search: Hours spent on unsuccessful property searches, where no purchase is made, do not qualify.On-Call Periods: Instances where you are on-call but do not actively perform work do not count towards material participation.Meeting Requirements:Maintain Detailed Records: Keep accurate time logs and records documenting your involvement in material participation activities, supported by evidence such as emails and calendar appointments.Seek Professional Guidance: Collaborate with a qualified tax professional to ensure compliance with IRS regulations and to optimize your material participation strategy.I hope this high-level overview gives you insight into what activities matter and ones that do not.

Do not rely on tenant provided documents.