Once you have that figured out it gets easier to act intentionally.

So, come time to buy my first investment property Ill be competent in analyzing deals

The best banks that I have found based on your main concerns are smaller, regional, community sized banks. i realized imma go with amex for now bc there business credit cards are good, then if i make more ill switch to chase or maybe boa 

@V.G Jason: Normally I don't butt in on someone's post, who's intent is to demean another man, such as you've attempted but failed to do with @Don Konipol:  who has made a very positive name for himself, buy the way. 

Obviously, they have no intention of following the law & I wouldn't count on them to adhere to your lease provisions, either.Don't get me wrong - I love dogs & my pit (who went through the big doggie door in the sky many years ago) was the best dog, ever!

I intentionally keep mine in a different county than I live in too, just in case they do notorious serious or something.I don't own many rentals these days, but if I did, id have one of the online pay services or set up an ACH on their paydays.

Note this guest was not intentionally destructive.  

It's been a very, very bumpy road to be under contract - and past the due dilligence period - on a new build we are purchasing with the intent to use it as a STR (and some personal use).

I have ZERO intention of making any payments on these contracts, nor do I want the equipment.

A solid buyer-agent agreement will outline what they charge and their intent to negotiate as much of their fee as possible from the seller.