You need to find your competition, and figure out how to distinguish yourself from competitors.I would argue that's all actually the first step.

Your post reminds me of my days posting in poker forums where very often the answer can be an introspective look at oneself and his or her mindset.When someone calls you on the phone in response to your mailing, they're interested / the letter served its function.

Also, my terminology is a bit off...how do you guys distinguish yield vs. interest rate?

Thirdly, in the future I would use possibly an expanded name, like David Roethlinsberger Roberts, to distinguish your self from other David Roberts. 

Being able to be honest with oneself is a big component of it.

I see the terms Owner Occupied (OO) and Non Owner Occupied (NOO) used so often on BP to distinguish loan purpose I felt I had to say something.It's my understanding, and correct me if I'm wrong, that a business purpose loan has nothing to do with occupancy.

But I love the hypotheticals about how to protect oneself in this scenario. 20% non-refundable EM, working as planned until closing (she is NOT a cash buyer, so there's that), etc.

I think investor friendly agents are willing to submit low bids with a straight face, show you "pocket" deals that come through their agency, give you background on areas you don't know and estimates on rents (although one needs to do more research for oneself).

We’ve been full-time investing for 6 years and always looking for ways to distinguish ourselves online!

Treat it as a data point:1) A roommate is just another applicant.2) Co-signer - personally I do not allow it, unless the co-signer lives there (which will then be a tenant).3) I do not distinguish roommate / boyfriend or girlfriend.