Co-signer or not, if they don't have a job and can't get one quickly, the rent can't / won't be paid.Still may be a good idea to get a co-signer, but I'd put primary focus on employment history and bill paying habits as seen on credit report from when they were fully employed.

These are general guidelines for bankers, however there can be flexibility depending on deposit balances, personal credit score and history with the bank.

Once you have a history of successful investments then you may want to leverage other peoples money in a partnership.  

Rental history of 4 years with current Rent of $3900 / month.2.

He may want to be a tenant if he is trying to build rental history,

We do a credit, criminal, eviction history as well as verify employment by either current paystub's and we ask for two months back.

He has 2 surviving kin, one of which is institutionalized, and I'm fairly certain his (middle aged) daughter will want to sell.What makes this a possibly great opportunity is the fact that he was the first owner of the home, built in the late 50s early 60s, and owns the property free and clear!

As foreigners we have no US credit score or history.

The chances that they will be called is pretty slim, especially with the history of the first tenants and the fact that you are repairing the new place.Going on vacation when you self-manage is always a little worrisome, but I hope it will be fine and you have a wonderful time on your cruise!

Find the history of the building.