I'm going to go ahead and disagree with most of the posts here.

@Amanda BahilThis is one of the rare times I'm going to disagree with @JD Martin.I think splitting the difference and losing a month's rent with this boondoggle, if you can ascertain that it is really what the tenant says it is (which does sound doubtful), is the way to go.You've got to work the landlord-tenant relationship.

Search for properties in line with your spending plan and investment objectives.Property analysis: Examine possible single- or multifamily properties to ascertain their overall investment viability as well as their cash flow potential, cap rate, and return on investment (ROI).

I usually agree with you, Jay, but I disagree with you and Chris with respect to the “throw it all in t bills and relax” advice. 

Typically that would be an office or field examination.

Quote from @Avrohom Green: I disagree with coaching as a beginner.

If the property is rented, examine the current lease documents, rent roll and rental payment history over the last 12 months.

If the house is trashed we examine and pay extra and charge the guest. 

I disagree. 

Long story short I disagree with the appraisers value of the home and will place rebuttal however that appraiser also completely messed up rental values so the DSCR has really impacted what I was expecting to get out of the property.