With that said, we have decided to buckle down and focus on paying off our outstanding debt and saving up cash for the down payment on our first rental unit.

Your credit report will show your payment history and outstanding liabilities.Commercial loans may ask for a personal financial statement.  

Checklist: Here’s a quick checklist to get you started:Get a home inspection (optional but recommended)Fix any outstanding repairs or issuesCreate or customize your lease agreement (covering pool/fireplace)Set up tenant screening processesTake detailed photos of the propertySecure proper insurance (consider rental-specific policies)Establish a move-in/move-out inspection processClarify utility responsibilities in the leaseConsider a property manager if you prefer hands-off managementDon’t worry, you're on the right track by doing your due diligence.

I use the credit rating to show me late payment history and outstanding debt. 

I have a feeling based on the reports I have seen that it is a trend nationwide as well.  

I self manage nationwide and this very takes little time and boosts our returns significantly.  

That percentage was 4% before the pandemic sent home prices rocketing nationwide.

(At least easily) with any taxes outstanding.

I would generally try to avoid insurance claims if you can because insurance is getting out of control nationwide, and we are seeing in FL, TX and CA that claims can follow the house and/or you and make it very difficult to sell the home in the future.Within the mortgage expense category you have 4 separate charges: principal, interest, property taxes, insurance (if you escrow taxes and insurance which 95% of our clients do). 

They claim a 35% fee on the first year's savings, only if they save you money.Also, I received from my mortgage company an email from "Incenter Tax Solutions" who claim to be a nationwide property tax petition and monitoring service.