A property manager that knows the area well and has a lot of rental history there is the best person to estimate the rent.

No one ever made history by following the crowd.

Your DTI's would be too high and you need a 2 year job history. 

Exercise caution.Private lenders are typically folks you already know or whom you meet through existing acquaintances.I would be wary of folks who are advertising on or trolling internet websites, particularly if they are offering unbelievable rates  - I would put 5% in the unbelievable category as private money, even up here in Canada where rates are lower, goes for 8 - 12% depending on the risk ... and if I have no history with you and you have little to no history in the industry, the risk would be considered high.Sometimes these folks will ask for up-front processing fees - a HUGE red flag as there is no need for any lender to ask for up-front payment.  

If you see a string of bad reviews that can show a history of deception or bad business practices and could be a giant red flag.    

Ive always kept my eye on the maritime market, and have just now decided to pull the trigger and get serious about investing in Eastern Canada. 

what's his job history?

(Rental comps have been done for the rent rate.)Rent: $875/month with a $875 depositMonthly Income requirement: $2625Non-refundable pet deposit: $250Pet Rent: $15/per pet (may be negotiable based on applicant's situation), Max of 2 pets, No dogs over 50 lb and no aggressive breeds (I wince because I have a pit bull myself and was an incredible tenant)Application Fee: $35 (will run background check with NTN or any other suggested site)No prior evictions, criminal history, feloniesStable work historyReferences from past landlordsReferences from bosses/supervisorsCredit score of 675 or higherNo more than 4 adults over 18 years old living in the homeAll members of household 18 years of age or older must apply separately and pay the application fee separatelyOnly complete and true applications will be consideredWhat are we missing here?  

I explained that we had no plans on replacing them as we were provided their payment history and saw they have never been late and they were the type of tenants we would love all of our rentals to have.

I would report their payment history to the credit bureaus.