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@Joe Hammel Thanks for the explanation!

These allrequire applicants to submit an acceptable Letter of Explanation addressing each specific issue and occurrence.Rental HistoryBecause a current landlord may say anything to get rid of a bad tenant out of desperation, we also requireinformation for the previous landlord of all applicants.

Thank you for the in-depth explanation.

What about one that is just too far away (depending on your geographic preference - some dont care about "clustering")?  

If you are buying as a primary be prepared to write an "LOE" Letter of explanation on why your moving out of an SFH into a MF 2-4 unit.

An experienced investor or vacation rental real estate professional familiar with local application processes and 'loop holes' can simplify the geographical areas of priority. 

Assuming you didn't need to have a geographic job, your goal financially would be living as cheap as possible while renting as high as possible while realizing the highest appreciation as possible.

I'd appreciate if you could expound on your thought @JohnWarren  One simple explanation is that 1-4 units considered in Residential category.

Once you've found them in the geographical area, then you must find as close to age, beds, baths and sqft as you can so as few adjustments need to be made.