If they are VERY professional, they will have their processes in writing as verification that policies are enforced equally and fairly by their entire staff.6.

The seller doesn't have the borrower's driver license or any identity verification paperwork.

Is there a centralized place/website that one can go to, to be able to see all the relevant metrics that one would need to know before they make a decision on whether it would be a good idea to invest in a particular area or not?

The majority of conventional mortgages (full income verification) require the mortgage to be closed in the borrowers individual name(s).

Kudos From the Easy Street Website for all lenders below :For our Short Term Rental Loans (STR Loans), We combine the traditional 30-year fixed rate residential mortgage product with flexible and hassle-free underwriting, delivering quick and efficient 30-day closes and non-intrusive documentation requirements (no tax returns, no income verification).Light DocumentationOur process allows investors to avoid the mountains of endless paperwork and intrusive document-gathering common with our competitors.

You should look into DSCR Loans - many investors like yourself typically move to this loan product once they max out with DTI/qualifying conventionally - a bit higher in rate than conventional mortgages - but no DTI ratio or tax returns/income verification makes a much easier qualification process and LLCs are 100% ok (even as sole owner) and actually often preferred.PS - published a 10-part article series here on BP last year on everything you'd want to know on these loan types - sharing links below, hope it can help!

That being said I use Venmo, CashApp, and Facebook Pay to collect rents and then just transfer the funds from the bank account they go to to pay the mortgages.

I'm really bullish on Clarksville.It's the 5th biggest city in TN, is continuing to grow, has a decent sized university, and has a steady supply of renters due to to it's proximity to fort Campbell. 

My best advice would be to to look at quality sponsors that have a track record to back their reputations.

Ask about the maintenance history.Units: Visit as many individual units as possible to assess their condition and note any necessary repairs or updates.Structural Issues: Be vigilant about signs of water damage, mold, or pests, which could indicate larger problems.Safety Compliance: Verify that the property meets all local safety and building codes, including fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits.Financial and Operational AspectsRent Roll: Request a detailed rent roll to understand current rents, lease terms, and tenant occupancy.Expenses: Get a breakdown of all operating expenses, including utilities, maintenance, insurance, property management fees, and taxes.Income Verification: Ask for historical income statements (preferably 12 months or more) to verify the revenue.Vacancy Rates: Inquire about the historical and current vacancy rates and how they compare to the market average.Tenant Profile: Understand the tenant mix, including residential versus commercial tenants, lease lengths, and tenant turnover rates.Property Management: Find out if the property is currently managed by a professional management company and if you will retain or replace them.Legal and ComplianceZoning Laws: Ensure the property complies with current zoning laws and inquire about any zoning changes that may affect the property.Rent Control: Determine if the property is subject to rent control or other regulations that could impact income.Permits and Licenses: Check that all necessary permits and licenses are up to date.Value-Add PotentialRenovation Opportunities: Identify areas where you could add value through renovations or upgrades.Rent Increases: Assess the potential for increasing rents based on market rates and property improvements.Additional Income: Explore opportunities for additional income streams, such as laundry facilities, parking fees, or storage rentals.Environmental ConsiderationsEnvironmental Hazards: Check for any environmental issues like asbestos, lead paint, or underground storage tanks.Flood Zones: Verify if the property is in a flood zone and the implications for insurance and risk.Questions to Ask the SellerReason for Selling: Understand the seller’s motivation to gauge the urgency and possible negotiation points.Recent Repairs and Improvements: Ask about any recent capital expenditures and future planned repairs.Tenant Relations: Inquire about the relationship with tenants and any ongoing disputes or issues.Due DiligenceProfessional Inspection: Hire a professional inspector to conduct a thorough examination of the property.Appraisal: Obtain an independent appraisal to verify the property’s market value.Legal Review: Have a real estate attorney review all contracts, leases, and legal documents related to the property.By covering these aspects, you’ll be in a stronger position to make an informed decision about your potential investment.