We get traffic studies done to confirm that the roads can handle the potential traffic.

What methods would you suggest to screen potential tenants? 

If you plan to use the remaining HELOC for a DSCR or BRRR strategy, that could help you build more equity, but consider if the current market conditions will lead to higher rates and lower cash flow in the near term.If your goal is to scale, you might consider holding onto your current duplex for the cash flow and focusing on the BRRR/DSCR strategy, which can allow for more control and potentially better long-term returns.

thanks for your time and help rent to retirement works directly with build to rent developers like us around the country once they are framed up. you are buying properties pretty much at market value but with a hand holding. you can work directly with a builder or directly with them. they are just an intermediary. they take 5% on what we make as a builder but have a large list of investors and a systemized approach to selling new builds. if you want to get a better deal I'd recommend directly contacting builders and building it yourself. fly to the market. spend 2 days, tour new builds, get a feeling for how it's going. if your builder isn't building multiple at a time then I wouldn't recommend working with them. rent to retirement is a well oiled and well run machine. they've had their ups and downs with dozens of transactions in florida but modified their process. they are well known and established and transparent. if you have a more specific market and feel confident in your ability to vet deals try it out. happy to talk more my info is in my signature. we work directly with them to sell new builds and no organization is perfect but I have good things to say about them as a builder and potential build to rent developer that sells build to rent triplexes and single family homes through them to end buyers in California like the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego 

At one point, the borrower reached out directly and from then on I saw no reason to keep dealing with Safeguard.

The remaining potential issue is their rental properties.

Find a sponsor, reach out, tell them you're Canadian, they approve, review and sign LP docs, wire funds.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

Reach out with any questions.  

Definitely a good overall real estate market with solid upside potential.