Fake income documents are easily purchased online, and inexperienced screeners often miss red flags.

It really is a minefield out there.I know everyone likes the convenience of the web, and they are tired of hearing it, but this really is a business based on relationships, not online anonymity.

Seen that play a few times.. this whole sub to being taught to under capitalized or starter investors who don't know what they don't know and learn this on line is just so very dangerous.

The online gurus are the worst.

I also recommend a bank that has local branch that you can go into vs having it 100% online.

I didn’t know anyone in Alabama, so I called a few agents I found online and ended up picking one from BiggerPockets.

This is merely what I've observed from the content I 've seen online. 

To the nuts and bolt question of what defines occupancy, it is the place you reside and spend the majority of your time/nights.

Networking with local real estate groups or online forums could help you find recommendations for PM companies that have a proven track record in Birmingham 

On another note, I had a lengthy conversation with VRBO last night while we both looked at one of my listings and came up some ways to improve it.