But, she couldn't see any other way to save enough money up front.My other friends who are now landlords themselves, bought their second home doing this same technique, which we shared with them. 

I am already a very organized person, but with us being first time landlords I want to make sure we have all our bases covered and start off strong.With that being said, can anyone give some tips or techniques that have worked for them in staying organized with our documents, to-do lists, bank account organization (security deposits, cash flow, etc.), tenant issues, etc?

What are some techniques people have used to help non investors or family understand the different strategies and their returns? 

In my contracts I so spell out pest management techniques that must be adhered to regarding sanitation and etc. and if they do not I can actually charge them if there is say a rodent problem and it is because they leave garbage outside a garbage can blah blah blah. 

I have heard from experienced landlords that it is often better to NOT let the tenant know that we are "owner/landlord", but rather that we are "just the PM" or even that we "just work for the PM".That way, it is easier to manage the tenants when they make unreasonable requests, we can just say "Sorry I can't authorize that, I just work for the PM" and we are not seen as the "bad guy" in the scenario, the unseen owner takes the blame.I wonder if this technique makes sense in a house hacking situation?

My technique was to look understanding, but use the broken record technique for whatever response was appropriate, like:"I know you'd like that to happen, but it's not in the budget this year.""

So, I don't really think the same technique regarding closing a deal quickly applies in the same way to tenants.

So, as suggested, I'd just tell your friend that you're sorry, but you have a policy of never renting to friends or family, because it inevitably hurts the relationship and your friendship means too much to you.They'll try to make you change your mind, probably, but just do the broken record technique - keep repeating yourself.  

Many of these techniques listed have a fair amount of industry specific knowledge that you would want to familiarize yourself with prior to jumping in. 

A couple of other screening techniques I learned while lurking around here on BP.If he arrives in his vehicle is it a mess or well maintained?