If its the trendy hot areas, or general "path of progress" and your able to make a trip and go drive around to find that "path" its really the best way. 

Sometimes when only one bedroom is available, people fake and squeeze to fit and you end up with over-occupancy.It's really a product of your market.

I could possibly offer content on what NOT to do in some situations, including syndications....

I live in California but do not want to invest here. 

When you say you can refinance your VA, have you checked at your total allotment for VA loans.

How hard is it for a person with high credit score but no income, retired to get a loan?

You still need to avoid doing anything that makes it seem like you’re being discriminatory especially against protected classes.

TIAI personally don't like the receipt scanning apps because I think they are overkill and they only account for half the record keeping you need to do.

However, it's essential to determine whether they are reputable brokers.

There is no differential factor number, however, it will change if you are buying tenant occupied, if they are are going to be vacant at closing, if they are going to stay the full lease or you have to pay cash for keys.