If you're getting a lot of traction with prospective but qualified tenants that would like to view the unit - let them know the time that the leasing/showing agent will be there so they can view the interior.If they're going to lease the property for you - one to half a months rent is fair compensation.

And they did tell us that we are not qualified to make any of these deals (ridiculous) without going to one of those crazy expensive programs.

Our mortgage was significantly higher than our flood insurance, and I don't know if we qualify to try to apply for FEMA or if there is other assistance, and if so, if we would apply as a business (we file it on our personal taxes as rental income).

Down payment can be higher than primary, but the good thing is that you won't need that much income to qualify because lenders can you 75% of the market rents for the units of the property.

Even if there isn't a lease in place, underwriting can use market rents from an appraisal to qualify.

Best thing you can do it to buy in good locations and have a good PM rent out the property to a qualified tenant. 

In November we have seen the same exact pattern – inventory increased, prices are dropping, and the time to procure a qualified tenant increased.

@Dennis Boettjer, I will echo's Brian's comment and add: also take a look at some of the threads in the Syndications review forum: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/960I do not mean this as a "here are people to invest in or avoid", as there are some groups going through current issues that, personally, I would qualify as fairly strong syndicators, overall.  

It also depends on the situation sometimes a HELOC is warranted for short term financial needs so long as you have a plan to get back in the same or better financial position afterwards and the "means," and "will," to carry out this financial or mortgage plan- HELOC's are typically full documentation qualifying loans so you'll need actual income to qualify whether it be from pension, insurance, rental's, etc that are all fully documented on taxes, W2's, 1099 forms, etc.

We will allow you to use a new employment contract as qualifying income 6-12 months prior to your start date.