I would like to scale more aggressively which I am slowly doing, but I am tempering that with ensuring I am not overly leveraged. 

Locally, I’m sure you can find an investor friendly firm by asking around the local REIA.We've done enough research to know that getting licensed is fairly easy in most places. 

Usually intended for people who want to ensure a quieter existence.  

The poison will clear a fairly large area around the home and keep them out.

But what else do you need to do to make it livable, to make sure your properties rent out fairly quickly (good tenants), and to make sure you're being a great landlord?

When you get your license, it’s literally all about fair housing, disclosure, calculations, and state specific stuff.

Are you up to date on fair housing, pets, service animals, marijuana laws, etc. 

It is fairly genius.

I've done that twice now and she's loves it despite being a fairly frugal person.  

The rent will need to be a 'fair-market' rent, i.e. is it equivalent to what a non-related party would pay, or a similar rate as other SFR's in the area are charging.Additionally, for further proof of intent as an investment, it is never a bad idea to have a lease agreement with your tenant, whomever they may be.