hey BP people I've been trying to find the answer to this VA loan question and have not found a straight answer.

I can look to see if there are bars on windows, graffiti everywhere, how well people care for their lawns, etc.

There are calculators online but make sure you are familiar because I get a lot of people call me because their loan officer failed to run the numbers and they are getting ready to lose a deal or earnest money.If you want to go FHA you can always put more down but I would take a look at Fannie Mae as well for High Balance areas.  

We always recommend investors pick an area with little STR regulations that draws them and is more of a natural element people want to explore and see. 

People who are really good at SEO get paid way more than $3-5 per hour. 

My biggest problem these days are more (in some cases MANY more) people living in the apartment than are on the lease. 

We were not getting a ton of leads and I quickly realized the PM just posts on Zillow and waits so I started hustling on FB market place and commenting on other people's post in the local Facebook groups.Lot of junk applications but did start to grab quality tenants.

I’m arranging to have a local handyman + general maintenance person as people that I can reach out to if guests need anything, but wondering how to contract/pay them?

People can come to their own conclusion.

You wouldn't want your mortgages to go unpaid for two or three months as people lament or are stressed out over other issues.