Beyond the formal checklists: no evictions, 3-4x income to rent, prior landlord references, employment checks; I would also look at things like responsiveness to communication when we are setting showing, were they on time to showing, did they look me in the eye and shake my hand, did they show up to showing high?

With Electric Boat being a main employer in the area, along with the Coast Guard and Navy Base, it makes it a great place to invest!

Are most landlords/PMs not contacting employers and instead simply trusting the paystubs provided?

For myself, I own an e-commerce business so I am self-employed.

Based on rental income would be great since I'm self employed so minimal documentation is best for me. 

If you’re investing in an area with new employers, infrastructure, or young professionals, demand could stay strong even if current listings are stagnant.4.

Local jobs did not care that I ran a successful business for 25 years as there was no specific skill set to transfer into relatable employment.

To invest in these markets, connect with investors, research neighborhoods with stable employment, good schools, and low vacancy rates, and leverage local expertise.Good luck!

Then you need to employ the tactics of a value add real estate investor.

Not sure if this is necessary but I have my own landscaping business that I work for making me self-employed or in the "S-quadrant" of "The Cashflow Quadrant".