Tenant selection is the most important aspect of residential real estate IMO.

Probably you should just step back - get an extension on your contract - re-think and re-bid this job with a new contractor.

(Some brokerage firms don't let agents list their own properties, so you have to be careful when making a selection.) 

My background includes extensive experience on Wall Street in mortgage investment analytics. 

Sometimes you claimed a lot of repairs on your 2014 return but not your 2015 return so showing a 2015 return will allow your loan approval to be shown in the best light to an underwriter.Since its now 10.25.16 and we're 10 days past the corporate return filing period of extensions I would assume you have your 2015 returns.If the income is good you can use that income, if not there are ways to document the use of the other income method of 75% of gross - PITIA if you did substantial repairs to your properties upon purchase or if the tax returns were not an accurate depiction of actual income, whichever method is best from a qualification stand point.

@Kevin Darrell  - I will send you a PM and we can chat/talk about your requirements and my recommendation of someone who has worked extensively for me in metro Atlanta.

If it is as simple as getting a doc-u-signed extension then it seems crazy. 

Your time here will be well spent.Since you didn't mention a specific area of REI interest in your profile either, I have added the links below for your review and selection of one or all of the three most popular niches.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Perhaps an extension of the maturity and a forbear of the interest.  

Good investment if you select good tenants and take care of the places.