But I'm going to to take a different approach and suggest you use neither as a whole.  

Combine that with the rest of the picture: employment verification, rental references, criminal/background check (look for active judgements from creditors).

Seems like it would be better to to to Salem than further out of state, except of course if there were other tax reasons to leave Oregon.

The fun thing about the internet is that you never know for sure who it is that you're talking to... at least not without further verification. 

If they are VERY professional, they will have their processes in writing as verification that it is enforced equally and fairly by their entire staff.6.

I'll also add that if it's just a few apartments zillow surprisingly works very well for resident screening (background checks, credit checks, employment verification) at no charge to you. 

From a practical stand point, and something you should do for everyone, ask for employment verification, references, past landlords, bank records, etc.

I think you are on the right track with the income verification, and speaking to previous landlords.

I have considered a HELOC as it will open a credit line to allow me to borrow as I need to to pay subcontractors etc, but it seems like a lot of work to open the account plus I hate the idea of putting my house up on the paperwork.I have two credit cards that I only use for rewards and I keep a rolling $0 balance on.

I am also going to to let the pro's tackle the major renovations and I will handle the smaller stuff.