But when it does become a problem, the bulk of the risk is really on the lender, not the borrower. 

My fingerprinting and clearance by the "agencies" was completed without any issue (as expected).What can I do to help a prospective landlord in my new city (hi there NOVA) not view me as a risk?

The platform may allow investment by accredited investors only or be open to almost anyoneEach has advantages and disadvantages.The portals that allow anyone to post a deal have not been very successful and they will probably remain a fringe categoryMany investors are familiar with the big players in the industry that provide access to deals sponsored by numerous parties.As an example of a single sponsor platform I will use our own.In the last two years we crowdfunded/syndicated 26 real estate debt deals, raising just over $46,000,000.00 and two months ago completed our first equity raise, raising $1,700,000.00.Additionally, we did a co raise with a major real estate debt crowdfunding portal that was primarily residential and wanted to move into the commercial space.I will tell you that despite many similarities, no two portals operate the same, and there are major differences in deal type, vetting, costs, risks, returns, and transparancy.Keep watching this arena.

Carry’s a 6 month jail sentence.

I've paid off a few mortgages, but they were higher risk commercial and seller financed loans or conventional above 7%. 

Long term stable financing will help reduce your risk and give you time to learn the business.Hope this helps.

Some folks are willing to take the risk in the gamble for appreciation, especially here in CA, they are typically purchasing when the market is down, not high as it is now.

The rest goes towards our mortgage or vehicles and we carry no credit card debt with a combined $14k we owe on both of our vehicles.We are now looking to start purchasing rentals to expand our portfolio.

My concern for you is that you will have to purchase this property as a personal loan not a commercial loan, and you already have credit issues and a high debt to income ratio, so you may be at high risk of not being able to get financing next year when you go to buy.

You have a lot more risk over there.