(key piece of the story) And where are you/the property located?

DealMachine and direct mail can work well, but consistency is key.

No sooner had we even closed on the property than they found a tenant ready to move in.

There is a spot on the brick exterior wall that you can move with your foot.

I grew up near San Francisco and moved to Reno, NV to live and house hack. 

Additionally, we have developed templates for tracking key metrics that we require our PMs to fill out weekly. 

Key Factors for a Good Seller-Financed DealCash Flow: Rental income should exceed monthly payments (PITI) by at least 1.25–1.5x.Purchase Price: Compare to ARV and market value for fair pricing and equity potential.Interest Rate: Aim for competitive rates; higher rates must still allow positive cash flow.Amortization/Balloon Terms: Favor longer amortization and align balloon payments with your exit strategy.Down Payment: Lower upfront costs reduce risk but should meet the seller's expectations.Flexibility: Seek no prepayment penalties and fair late-payment clauses.Property Condition: Ensure the property’s condition matches terms through inspections.Seller Motivation: Assess the seller’s willingness to negotiate favorable terms.Exit Strategy: Have a clear plan for refinancing or payoff at term end.Portfolio Fit: Ensure the deal aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.Vetting multiple deals and consulting professionals is crucial to making sound decisions.

Here is the key: Don't pay for anything until it's done to your standard.

Does seasoning start when a renter moves into the property? 

I put my location as New York since that is where I will be moving after college for work.