For a first property, buying in your name with solid landlord insurance is the good starting point.

Certain expenses are all lumped together for the sake of the P&L like insurance and taxes and others like repairs and maintenance can be viewed collectively or by individual property.

That has been a big thing.The easy way I think to say it is if you are a lender, agent, insurance person, you shouldn't be starting forum posts to elicit feedback in your industry or genre.

Licensing fees, CE classes, E&O insurance, general business liability insurance, sentrilock/suprakey fees, board association, etcc.

Some lenders may also want to see law and ordinance coverage in your insurance and perhaps a rebuild letter from the city stating that the property could be rebuilt as a residential 4plex if destroyed. 

Again PMI offers the lower rate because its less risky and offers insurance to the bank.So when you sell your current home try and keep as much as possible and avoid an "All Cash" offer.

They do everything for you (payments, taxes, insurance coverage) - the website and app are easy and functional and you can vet your guests!

Is your DSCR ratio greater than 1-meaning are you cash flowing (according to the lender's criteria of mortgage, property taxes and insurance (and HOA) if applicable).

no rent coming in but expenses were low - just utilities and insurance. 

If you have more, they will not insure you.