I'm in the knowledge gathering phase - more time I spend here in BP and other online sources, more I am realising there is a lot more to this than simply buying something off of redfin and renting out

Quote from @Obed Calixte: There are a ton of free tenant applications online and through property management software companies such as turbotenant, rentspree, zillow etc.You will want your application to meet any state specific guidelines (if applicable). 

Look up the loan officer and not the company (do they have any online reviews or social media presence; if possible look up their production numbers to see if they are any good)4.

I do SMS, cold call, mail, online, wholesalers, etc.

I am looking at listings online, running my numbers.

I purchased my first investment property through an online auction for delinquent property tax.

I came across one of these loan agreements online somewhere a few months ago, can't recall where I found it but it was clear in reading the loan agreement there was no language referencing the loan actually encumbering real property, it was just an unsecured loan.  

There are also online platforms that will handle managing security deposit compliance, refunds, etc. like rentable.com

You can also check their reviews online at Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

Contrary to what I read online my lender never questioned the condition of the property.