Are you completing these renovations with all appropriate permits and approvals?

@Tanya MaslachYou do not necessarily need to have an Ohio based entity to purchase and operate rentals in Ohio, HOWEVER, many lenders are beginning to require that either an entity based in the same state or a foreign entity is registered in that state in order to obtain a loan approval. 

Your lender needs to approve deed transfer

While traditional banks provide lower interest rates, they come with strict approval processes and long wait times.

Once the executor (or whatever its called in virginia) is approved, they start settling the estate.

I had spoken to a lender who said he approved his clients for a mortgage of hundreds of thousands of dollars, yet the solar company wouldn't approve them.Basically, if you are thinking of selling, don't do the solar panels.

Once approved, how fast does your policy dictate that they have to give you a deposit? 

This log should include:•The date of activity•The property worked on•Specific activities performedExamples of activities that typically count include approving tenants, setting lease terms, handling repairs, and other hands-on operational tasks directly related to managing the property.

Your property listing can also be a great way to lay out qualifying criteria (i.e credit score minimum, and require a co-signer if lower).After conducting due diligence into a particular tenants situation, and you decided to proceed with an application approval, you could require a higher security deposit. 

Quote from @Gabriel Santin: You can get an approval from the HML and get that to show the agent..