Sometimes your gut will tell you a lot more about the individual than dollars and/or what comes out of her mouth.

But to the best of my knowledge, everyone I've ever rented to has lived and lives paycheck-to-paycheck, hand-to-mouth-to-a$$.

Don't stare a gift horse in the mouth if it wanders up.Bigger Pockets has been an awesome resource for connections, stay active and take action and most of the folks here will bend over backwards for you.I'll be happy to share any of my contacts with you, though I'm new and definitely still building my team.I

All tenants pay their own utilities (except water/sewer) so an investor I couldn’t be happier.

@Robert KoughThings to consider here:1) Ultimately the lack of up keep on your home is the reason she has to pay more. 2) She probably has no where near enough to cover the bill comfortably.3) If you make her pay the whole bill it will more than likely leave a bad taste in her mouth and she will probably move out when the lease is up.

Think of ways to make her happy, and you'll be happier too.

If they start flapping their arms and their mouths and threatening to sue you, remain calm and say, "You know what?  

When or if you have to make them move out in the future you become the bad guy because they will then bad mouth you to their friends. 

Actually, I put it in my "Rules and Regulations" addendum along with the hefty fee they will have to pay if they do smoke inside.I allow pets for a couple of reasons: 1) by excluding pets, you exclude a large chuck of good tenants, and 2) tenants with pets are generally happier and stay longer.

I like @Michael Anderson's answer.Two big advantages you can offer to local investors as a private lender are 1) reliability of execution and 2) speed.Meeting local investors at REIA events will create greater trust than simply advertising your services online.People are rightfully skeptical of private lenders, so meeting real estate investors in person and letting them know you are local and actively lending is a great first step to gaining trust.Once you execute well on several deals, word-of-mouth, the most powerful form of marketing (and the only one that compounds) can provide you a substantial tailwind.Best,Michael