At the same time, I'm aware that this is a tough time to get started in the real estate market cycle, so I'm also committed to finding an amazing deal even if it requires a lot of upfront work.I've targeted buy and hold rental as my #1 strategy and the next step for me is choosing a market.For more background on myself, I grew up in Seattle, WA and since then have lived in Phoenix AZ, Chicago IL, Steubenville OH, Charlotte NC, and am currently in Montclair NJ (and I'm only 24!).

A lot of this work gets done in the background and, most, capital raisers only see the smoothed out #s.

With a family background in rentals we had always talked about it but never really were in a place where we felt we should start. 

They should pretty much be there to pay their app fee and if approved (credit, income, background),  sign the lease. 

We run background checks on every adult tenant in our units. 

If you have private money or cash, it will be pretty easy to come in and dominate.  

Self-confidence should come along with your developed know  Try to be dominant at whatever you choose to do.Good luck to you!

What do you use for criminal background checks and credit checks for screening prospective tenants? 

I am looking for someone who can show and market the property, screen the tenants, do background/credit checks and then do the initial condition checklist for move in/move out.

I would tell her that the husband has to submit to a background check prior to being added to the lease.