Account Closed Navy Fed will only do 2 but I'm willing to do 4 if I choose to work with another lender.

--identify and choose online rent payment system--verify mailing address--determine how to turn one mailing address into 2 apartment addresses through USPS--develop packet for new tenants with utility phone numbers, my contact info, etc.These are a few off the top of my head, and certainly not inclusive.  

No doubt we all feel the same way when it comes to choosing those we want to entrust with our vision.Recently, I was reflecting on the last year and realized my growth has been more than I excepted.

If I were you I would choose the 1st couple, but with non-refundable quarterly rent in advance to mitigate the risk.

@Enrique Curiel, if you choose to invest in Arizona as a resident of California, don't forget that the California Other State Tax Credit works differently for taxes paid to Arizona (along with Guam, Indiana, Oregon, and Virginia) than it does for most other states!  

If you are choosing to do that, have the courtesy to part ways with your realtor and stop wasting his time.Just something to consider.

I-35 corridor is a great area and gives you a variety to choose from.

Nothing could be more convenient for self-managing, not to mention the fact that you get to choose your own neighbors!

If you choose the best rate of the day, you'll see your loan officer's origination fee on the settlement statement at closing, if you choose a no-cost refinance, by taking a higher rate, the lender that loans the money will pay your closing costs, including the loan officer's fee and you won't see any fees or origination on the settlement statement.  

Biggest thing I learned on my first: play hardball, pay less or walk away, always inspect the property yourself (if possible) or get a second opinion, choose a good realtor.