Then they won't need an upfront payment for work they haven't provided yet.Also, get a signed contract, copy of the drivers license, contractor's license and be added to their liability insurance.

Yes, I have signed up and have a paid membership.

Keep in mind that you will probably be required to sign a personal guarantee of the loans.

Is that safe to deduct when tenant signed?

This is where an STR-investor-friendly real estate agent is a rockstar for you as a buyer.

Quote from @Robert Gunn: I would also be very interested in hearing student or JV experiences with Pete and his program.I stumbled upon him by chance and for fun (I've been investing in land for years) signed up for his "free" course, which he promises after he pitches his $499/mo software system (which is basically an overpriced CRM) and then after the first "Level" in the course, you are directed to a pay page to access the rest of the "free" course.  

Put down deposit, lease isn't signed. 

Signed into law in 2021, SB 9 is designed to address the housing crisis by allowing greater density in residential neighborhoods.

No one is going to come to your door stalking you, but feel free to pay a few grand a year to "hide" your identity that will be able to be found in 15 minutes or in a request from the tenant if they request ownership of the LLC or the operating agreement to understand who they are signing a lease with.

If you're living in it now, you'll probably be required to have a signed lease in place as well as proof that first month's rent/security deposit were collected in order to get a DSCR loan (they're business purpose loans and don't allow owner occupancy).