Former LOs generally know enough to be their own biggest enemy. :)Rental income from long term traditional tenants can be counted, in some form or another, in all scenarios where you're being honest on all paperwork.

I know most folks won't say that is where to start but, after starting a house-buying company, at least in my experience, until I had my mindset heading in the right direction I was my biggest barrier. 

As an investor myself, I do understand the benefit of "talking to" as many agents as possible, to have the biggest reach.

It is just the act of getting the big tanks down there and the old ones out, and the fear of having one leak and cause havoc without anyone knowing then having to deal with that liability.The biggest problem here is trying to figure out how to charge the tenants, etc. 

What incentive does the bank have to reduce the principal? 

This is one of the biggest government-backed scams around. 

The biggest recommendation I have for a new investor is to choose the right people to work with.

I want my investment dollars to work and return as much cash flow as possible while providing long-term equity upside, so to accomplish this I look for commercial value-add deals which provide me the maximum tax incentives, write-offs, depreciation, and least amount of hands-on time/energy/headaches.

Biggest piece of advice I can give you. 

Vacant properties also are targets for vandals and squatters, and often require special higher rate insurance.The program with this arrangement is agents lose the incentive to actually show there property and present offers.