Add some landscaping like bushes, shrubs, flowers, or trees to create a more inviting entrance.

Plus you can purchase several in a portfolio with differing price points across a numerous geographical locations to mitigate your risk. 

There are numerous routes you can go from here, and don't get boggled down by what seems to be a single rut (or two).

Here are my opinions about the subject after speaking to numerous clients and investors about the subject:LLCs (if they are run properly and you keep everything separate) do provide a measure of protection and they are worth the trouble (when you reach a certain point).Basically, when you are starting out, probably keeping it out of LLCs and getting lots of insurance coverage will get you better loan terms (as the other posters have already outlined and as you figured out as well).However, at some point, you should anticipate the need (and desire) to switch over to puttin your future investments (but not your past ones) into LLCs.LLCs are also important if you are bringing in outside investors.

Everyone is invited.

That would invite more competition as well, I assume.ORDo you go for an area with less properties for rent on the market?

Running their credit or background check is fairly simple - there are numerous sites that can do that for you over the internet.

Invite him to dinner, talk to him honestly, and see what happens.

Please look for my invitation to connect.

Apparently the original RFP had the language that it could pick multiple proposals:  "This RFP is only an invitation for proposals, the substance of which may be memorialized in a binding, definitive agreement or agreements if any proposal is selected.