Scheduling a few out to different units and assessing their cost, response/communication, and overall quality of work. 

The worst lenders I have dealt with are the ones with underwriters in one time zone and origination department in another, branch manager in another that don’t communicate well with each other and end up over-promising while not being able to deliver.

Also price is irrelevant if you dont have a good team and a good contractor who you communicate  well with. 

I also have the text logs, since I stopped talking to him on the phone so that we would have a record of his communication with us concerning the rent.  

Friends with rentals have generally indicated that the cosigner is either nowhere to be found or ignores all communication when needed.

Present the pertinent property details efficiently (bullet points, not paragraphs), highlight amenities (in-suite washer and dryer or reserved parking), and include your company name ("professionally managed by...").

Hands down one of the most efficient ways of learning the ins and outs of real estate investing without taking on to much at once. 

Use a blended rate calculator to see what is more cost efficient.

The best way to feel out the type of lender you will be dealing with is by seeking referrals and communicating directly with them during the origination process.

Third unit is a studio/efficiency that I will live in.