The reason we went with co-signing is because since we're young, I wanted her to be able to have more "history" of adult-credit like things so in the future it will benefit her immensely. 

When I called him (he did have an area code which fit where he claimed to be from), he had a pretty thick African accent (now, I know there are a lot of different countries in Africa, but due to my ignorance, I can't intelligently suggest where specifically he may from).

The extra cost is worth the immense time savings, and you'll get a more quality result.MANY other lessons learned, as this was my first deal.Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

@Kris Benson, You're looking for a "watering hole of the Serengetti" - you know the few  watering holes in the African plain that stay wet during the dry season. 

North Lawndale - once heavily Jewish, now populated by mostly an African-American demographic.

Partnering yourself with the right agent will help you immensely in terms of economics, business strategies, and market knowledge. 

I have African tenants and they do the same thing you describe .

   Hey guys I'm new to the forum, I just stumbled upon the forum yesterday, I'm 23 years old right now I've been flipping used cars and doing contractor work for the past year and i've saved enough of my profit to purchase my first property, any advice, tips, book recommendations, courses or thread recommendations would be greatly appreciated, I'm in a mode where I have an immense appetite to learn and absorb content.Thanks,           Quin

Convicted felons dragging a lifelong record but with good credit can be exceptional tenants because they know that you have immense power in the relationship.

I've known some investors to create immense value doing this.