Any agent familiar with short sales knows an agent can’t receive a commission if they are related to the buyer......SOP Arms Length Affidavit.

I just got notified today one tenant has paid and I will receive the money on the 7th.

Regarding excel, i'm extremely proficient in.

.), they won't even fill out the application - so usually once I receive a completed application it is a tenant with a good track record. 

I received the Loan Estimate (LE) on 11/22/17.

A buy and hold strategy in Hilton would be excellent if you can find a duplex (or any multi-family), but they are difficult to come by.

Does it make sense to apply with multiple lenders and receive multiple credits checks in order to nitpick the best offer?

I've had excellent luck on Facebook, posting an ad in a local "Sale" page.

For tracking each campaign I use excel however any call backs, appointments, warm/hot leads, contracts and deals all get entered into my CRM so I can notate and follow up appropriately. 

If I fund the reno (during my lease period) and I don't end up purchasing the property, I will be out a great deal of money without receiving the reward of my extra investment.