Our biggest climate risks in central Texas are typically wind and hail, so anything of concern regarding the roof could get an applicant declined including trees too close to the roof surface, roof over 10 years old, etc.

And you have the biggest mastermind of all in BP.. 

On a related note, I would say that the biggest issue that small investors face is underbidding.

One of the biggest challenges is keeping the bathroom as carefree as possible.

You haven't even asked about your BIGGEST challenge - finding "trustworthy" contractors.- Most contractors will cut corners, or worse, once they figure out they won't be watched closely:( Your job will also go to the bottom of their priority list.Monitoring progress is relatively easy: hire that same inspector to go by weekly or before any payments to take a VIDEO of:1) What was done2) Quality of workmanshipOne other thing you didn't ask about, payments to contractors.- They all want 50% down or as much as they can squeeze out of you. 

That might be the biggest hurdle - but otherwise, I'd check out "DSCR Loans" which are the perfect option for people like you looking to buy rental properties w/o W2 or DTIWe don't own any other properties other than the investment property we just purchased.

What have you seen make the biggest impact ? 

Stick to these tools, and you should be significantly happier with your next renters  Thank you, I did screen all aspects and everything looked good in the beginning but the biggest problems seems to be the renter big off more than they can chew.

The biggest tip I can recommend is patience.

The good news is that most of the businesses are moving to Texas which is the biggest hurt that they can put on the state.