As small businesses, securing funding can be a real challenge.

We base the required off of historical code compliance items, Section 8, safety & security, habitability, etc. 

Did you check to confirm they filed a form d with sec?

Key points include:Security Deposits: In Indiana, there’s no legal cap on security deposits, but you must return the deposit (minus any valid deductions) within 45 days of the tenant vacating the property.Evictions: Follow the formal process carefully.

We just had one last week...the "I thought we were past this" meltdown of being 42, financially secure, and doing another live in flip. 

This requires vetting their claims by reviewing EDGAR filings, property records, court records, Secretary of State filings and communicating with those who know more like city government, a more experienced investor, etc.

:(If they are unethical, you can file a complaint with the Florida Real Estate Commission: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/real-estate-commission/complaints/

Often, they don't need to be moved in by the time of the appraisal, but if you have a signed lease, first month's rent receipt, and a receipt of the security deposit then the lender will often treat the property as occupied which can help increase your max loan amount in some cases.

Below is the monthly average number of preforeclosure leads based on number of filed NOD, NOTS, LP occuring per month (from 10yr of data from recorders documents).

At one time, I told people to spend money on a skip trace so they could file the in personam QT lawsuit (the one where you can served lawsuit papers on all defendants) and avoid the expense of the in rem QT lawsuit (the one where you need a GAL).