If we pass inspection and everything goes well I would be looking for a 10 year lease, with another slow progression on rent until we finish the remaining portion of the property.

The determining factors on which markets to consider investing include: a stable and diverse economy, low property taxes, landlord friendly laws, job growth, population growth and a business friendly climate.

Also, I no longer include utilities in my longer leases.

(That guy got a quick "Non-Renewal" notice, and left everything in the unit but the clothes on his back, which included some 50 contractor bags full (Tenant didn't fill the bags, our guys did!)

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23DSCR lenders generally let you vest either individually or as an LLC.

Other options out there include some of the ones already mentioned: RentReadi, Buildium, Avail, TurboTenant and Appfolio.Each come with pros and cons so its up to you to see where the priority in workflow is for you! 

This criteria is for 1-4 and 5-8 unit programs.I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23DSCR lenders generally let you vest either individually or as an LLC.

I also have a partner with a full time job and great credit score as well, so maybe my best option would be to include him and have him apply for the mortgage.

I plan on doing more updates, such as finishing the basement into more livable square footage, but my question is just regarding the HVAC system's... 

Which would require you bringing ~$25k to close. your plan seems smart and based in the reality of our current economic conditions.if you would like additional info about what's available in my midwest market, including analysis of possible acquisitions, reach out to me.