The new standards are yet to shake out I think and it probably does cause some indigestion for investors and agents both. 

If the Transunion report verifies everything, and they meet my other criteria (credit scores, proof of income, background and eviction checks...) then we are good.In my 15+ years at this, I have found a very strong correlation of credit score and tenant quality.

If your going to pay 50% at least have her go over there and do some "deep cleaning" that may not be included in standard turnovers.

@Adam OrtizRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

If it's a standard step down, you may take a big hit on points.

Lots of investment in the region as well so hopefully quality job growth will continue.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable, quality cleaning company with great communication?

Are their listings detailed with good-quality photos?

My advice would be to partner with someone who has additional funds so you can buy something that is of quality. $8k won't get you anything in a class B or A market with 20% down or even 10% down. keep going though!

Very simple - tell them to call me if they can't figure it out.I would not tell the tenant what I was doing and if it was ever discovered that I had done it - I would explain that I did it as a standard safeguarding of my property - in case the original thermostat should ever fail while no one was there to monitor the space temperature - the backup thermostat would save us all from freezing damage.