use a tenant screening service to run credit / look for evictions.   

I read about how to rent, how to screen, how to buy, etc. 

Without more details, it’s hard to say but I do think that if the lender will speak with your friend, he should get on the phone with them and see if he has any options.

I made the same argument at first as well for someone with multiple rentals (As I do for like...home office deduction, if you're managing 5 rentals, collecting rents, screening tenants ect...I am comfortable taking that deduction- I was going to apply same here but saw a no aggregation wording) 

The last thing you'd want to get is a phone call stating the roof has begun to leak.

We invest in Portland and the West End......you just have to be strict about how you screen......have a criteria and stick to it...... run yours numbers and don’t get anything with tight margins for cashflow......there are some nice areas in the West...... drive around and you’ll be able to tell......

These days, most landlords in California use some type of online screening service. 

Sorry for typos.. on my mobile phone ..

It's mainly the privacy vs. deal flow from having a phone number on the back.

Have them all get on the phone with a CPA and Attorney and create a Asset Protection plan and structure.