Walk inside...snap a picture of animals if any, compliment any pictures of their family or art work (i.e. a Led Zepplin flag nailed up as a window cover is "art work" in some instances), then have them sign a printed copy of your online add to show they saw what the rent and deposit amounts were so that everyone is in the loop and then walk outside.  

A wise lender will want other collateral unless it's a screaming deal and there is 20%+ equity capture at the buy   A car title if a small amount, for instance.

Please note that you are obligated to pay back their 401k (regardless of the performance of your real estate investment).Per the loan offset rules that went into effect with the 2018 Tax and Job Act: if you leave your job and the loan is current at the time you leave your job but then the loan goes into default because you left your job, you will have until your tax return deadline (including any timely filed extension) to make the loan current by depositing the outstanding balance into an IRA (and thereby avoid the taxes and penalties that would otherwise apply).If you are self-employed with no full-time employees & you can rollover the funds, you could set up a Solo 401k, rollover the funds and take a 401k loan from the Solo 401k.

But definitely a good question for your attorney regarding your individual instance.

What would be instances when it would make sense (and its justified) to request itemized statements from the PM on repairs/maintenance.

For instance, maybe needing fire suppression system in 3 units and bigger but not needed if its owner occupied type of thing ( just a made up example).

in some instances the people doing these were flat out criminals with no intent of every paying on the senior mortgage I know of 2 folks like this who both got state prison time.

For instance, you would not likely be justified in charging a tenant for the cost of a paint sprayer or ladder just because they were needed for you to be able to paint.

I have done a bit of research and there are a lot of options: ihouse, Reel Geeks, Chime...etc. but they have monthly subscription fees that seem a little extensive. 

Technically, your realtor should have had you submit an extension or cancel, if your financing decision was pushing beyond the 21-days.