I never obtain a credit report.

Who reports it?

Also, what do you think of sites like rentometer - are you seeing any accuracy with the reported rents in your OH markets?

Owner finance (similar to contract for deed if that is legal in your state) is a good way to get out of your situation, with the possibility of making some money on the deal.Ask for at least 10% down and figure out what interest rate you would like to charge (depends upon their credit, I suggest nothing less than 8% even with impeccable credit.)You can use a mortgage loan calculator online to get the amortization table, and there are companies out there that will 3rd party service the loan and report to the credit bureaus for you.I suggest finding a real estate attorney in your area that has done these to structure it correctly for you.

But it's one of those things where I could see this on the evening news about some serial killer.

Still, he had to write on the report "Recommend Spot Repair of Dip Section at some point".

Hey Jimmy, how can I become pre-approved for my primary if my main job is inconsistent income where I have reported $100k one year and 0 the next?

Just a good rule of thumb).As for whether that's worth it for the deal, that's really up to the buyer, but a 2006 National Association of Home Builder's report says that it averages about 11.5% of the value of the home.

I know hedge funds stories has been kicked around a bunch but I thought this article I read today was good explaining what their process is for the big guys. http://www.costar.com/News/Article/Rising-Interest-Rates-Pose-First-Big-Challenge-to-Emerging-Single-Family-Rental-REITs/149416

Not reporting it on Schedule E does not mean that it is not investment property, but certainly helps shows as part of your pattern of holding for investment.