When I analyze a deal, I assume 35% is going out for PM, capex, vacancy, and maintenance (we self manage, but I like to pretend we don't so that expense doesn't affect our business when we do need to outsource management).

We'll pick some properties, guestimate what we are willing to pay, and then go pretend to do it.

Not sure exactly why, but I was doing 10 or so houses a year when I was going on absolutely time wasting appointments and talking to pretender sellers, but now I look at maybe 2-3 houses a year and on average I'm buying 25-30. 

If I do call the employer, I find the number on my own instead of relying on whatever the applicant has provided because it could be the cell number for a buddy pretending to be the employer.

Pretend you don't have it and learn to make it boot strapped. 

So many times I see new agents in the marketplace who are "afraid to look like a new agent", so they pretend to be an expert and provide incorrect information to a client. 

I had a seemingly nice young lady apply for one of my rentals. I did a little background check on her and her boyfriend, he had a few misdemeanors a couple years ago but nothing serious. He has a decent job and makes ...

Go to VRBO and pretend to book a McMansion cabin in Gatlinburg for tonight.  

I am that dog .... three MFH deals came to me this week and the piggy bank is too empty to purchase any of them in the traditional sense.... so I'm pretending I'm Ben and trying to convince the owners they should give me the keys w/o a downpayment.

I understand you don't like the idea of someone pretending to buy a property and close when they have no means.