Or have you ever used tax records as a source of research?

For me I keep coming back to what @Ivan Barratt said, FOCUS is key.

If I was using a family member for funding, I would pay them some fixed return annually and they would be nothing but a source of funds, just like a bank.

Even worse, if your "about 4.5%" interest rate proves to be not conservative enough.Extrapolating your idea, if you did this every time you moved, you'd always still be looking at negative cash flow while they were being built, and likely while you were living there.I worry that somewhere along the way, you'll be taken advantage of by your building contractor/s, who might start seeing you as an endless source of guaranteed dollars.People tend to not be as careful with their money as they should be, if too readily available. 

After a long 4 to 5 month escrow we finally got the keys and started tearing things apart.  

I just mailed him the key Monday, and within 3 hours of informing him, he tells that he has declared bankruptcy but would still like to rent the place and intends to pay. 

Yes, getting a proven, vetted, competent and capable property manager is key.

Me and my friends moved out on june 6 and submitted the keys that night in the dropbox of the leasing office.

Food source is the worst problem.

I've found the key to rentals is tenant selection -get it wrong and you're in for a world of hurt.