If you cant get a hold of them read their books and simulate deals.

I know bigger pockets recently started offering them or you can do a google search and just keep what you like.I don't think you need a checklist, but I would recommend running the numbers through your worst case scenario simulation to make sure you feel comfortable with the deal.I recommend doing your own research on what you think you can rent the property for.

Have you had direct experience using an awesome EXTERIOR paint simulator website/or app (FREE ONE)?

@Jermaine Riggs   Remember the 6PsPrior Planning Prevents P*ssPoor Performance There are steps that you can be taking today that will better ensure you will be able to qualify for the best of terms on your purchase in TX.1. have a Mortgage Broker run a Tri-Merged MORTGAGE credit report and pay the extra $15 for them to also run the "What If" score increase simulator to know how best to pay down debt in the interim2. start eating MREs and saving like a maniac until you close as the more money you can show in reserves Post-Closing, the better the programs you can qualify for.etc,etc,etc,   

I have a dedicated acreage (part of a 'change of use' to new 'best and highest' value model) in a dedicated site, barb wire secured, that might be suitable for wild simulated ginseng production.

Since you are a year away I would run simulations on different properties you find on the market so you can get a feel for having your numbers right.

Create investing games and simulations. 

That can help you determine where you are strong, and where you are weak.But probably their best tool for your scenario is a "credit simulator" where you can see how various hypothetical changes (i.e. opening a new account, increasing your credit limits, adding a new loan, etc) would affect your overall credit score.

Essentially one number that simul-rings customer service reps or sales reps, can record all the calls, unifies voicemail, fully integrates click-to-call from the website, integrates mobile-access, etc.I can send out 10 invitations from my GC account so if you're interested in checking it out, PM me with an email and I'll send it out.

Listed below is a summary of my financial and credit profile: Income/Savings:94K annual income (58K from primary employer + 36K combined from part-time work)20K in savings and have an additional 20K towards a downpaymentCredit scores: TransUnion 649, Experian 665, and Equifax 637 as of 12/10/11; credit simulator claims that my scores should jump ~20 points if I pay off my credit card balancesDebt:About 3K in credit card debt; all currentAbout 380K in student loan debt (majority from medical school); but all student loans are current and in deferment.