I am willing to help you out with some advice or even chat on the phone if you wish.

I am willing to help you out with some advice or even chat on the phone if you wish.

Basically anything on your credit report is used to calculate DTI  (not like you cable bill, phone bill, ect that don't show up on credit reports).

Lookup the owner of the previous rentals yourself and find a phone number. 

Instead of just knowing them by email, try to build a relationship and talk to them over the phone or in person.

At the beginning, all communication happens through Avail but as you talk to the prospective candidates you choose to move outside Avail and communicate directly on your phone, email, etc., but again, the choice is yours.

It's not uncommon for tenants to send in maintenance requests that are either generally difficult to understand or it's difficult to tell how to prioritize (do I need a plumber out now, on a Sunday at midnight or can it wait till Monday morning).I usually e-mail back for clarification or pick up the phone and ask.

When I have approached the cosigner it has been by phone.

Being available via online channels or phone with pre-fixed hours(9-5) was important for communicating with contractors, VAs, property managers, etc I do miss the military and firefighter world at times though :)

What I've had to train myself to do is simply pick up the phone and dial.