Go to NETWORK at the top of your screen and you can search for other investors and investment groups in your area.

And yes, screening is so key, especially now and being in NY. 

Zillow does a good job of marketing the property, messaging prospective tenants, screening applicants, accepting applications, e-signing the lease, and accepting payments. 

Find a market you like with a good future (strong schools, job market, low crime).Learn how to analyze property for good cash flow.Get your finances in order with no debt, a good budget, a personal emergency fund, enough money for the down payment, and a reserve in case anything goes wrong with the rental in the first 6-12 months.Buy.Immediately start educating yourself on how to manage problems (application screening, late rent, unauthorized pets/people, etc.) and saving for the next investment.Here's a guide that describes what good cash flow looks like and how to analyze a property.https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

I was able to find that Apple Federal Credit Union allows for a non-occupant co-signor, at least per initial screening conversations with them.

If it's truly abandoned, you will notice most/all clothing is gone, there's no high-value items like flat-screen TV or computer, all the food is gone or old, most kitchen items are missing, etc.

Thats a front-line screening question.

If you take this seriously and approach it as a business and do all the calculations and screening, you can prove them wrong.

Also, wipe the outside screens with wet paper towel and use lots of Windex. 

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator.So, the first question they usually ask a PMC is about fees - instead of asking about services and HOW those services are executed.EXAMPLE: PMC states they will handle tenant screening – what does that specifically mean?