So, I DON'T trust my ability to determine someone's character based on a few minute casual conversation and I DO trust my ability to manage even difficult tenants. 

It is invaluable to quickly calculate a mortgage payment.3.

For a beginning investor, I'd recommend more turnkey properties to get your feet wet while you build trust in your boots on the ground.

DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans generally focus on the property's ability to generate enough rental income to cover the debt payment.

Late payments, property damage, and evictions are avoidable when you have a PM who knows how to find reliable renters.I encourage you to seek out a property management company that emphasizes tenant screening and uses modern tools for verification.

Here are the numbers:$30k - avg monthly income3 options for rent vs buying$12.5k - avg monthly payment (20% down) on $2mil home$6.25k - avg monthly rent on $2mil home$6.25k - avg monthly payment (71.5% down) on $2mil home3 options for return on capital:7% - avg yearly return on 71.5% down payment (assuming 5% avg yearly appreciation in SD)10% - avg yearly return on from S&P 500>10% - avg yearly return on investment property (just an assumption, but I think you are all here because you beat the stock market)First, the $12.5k monthly is very intimidating and beyond what I should be spending on shelter (a no-go for me)

It is about creating a balance between being open to new tenants and protecting your property interests diligently.By fostering a more secure leasing process, you can ensure that your properties remain profitable and that your relationships with genuine tenants are based on trust and reliability.

The seller becomes the bank and pays capital gains one time on the downpayment (which keeps it low to make sense for them) and then also monthly on the payments (also incentivized to just match how much he wants a month).

Whether you're interested in residential properties, commercial spaces, or real estate investment trusts (REITs), there are various strategies and approaches to consider.Real estate investing also involves understanding market trends, economic indicators, and demographic shifts.

Your payment requirement would rule you out for us.