To lower inflation its a two headed monster and the one everyone is ignoring is spending, and someone needs to buy the debt - and based on how much we are spending its leading to higher rates due to the risk. 

This accomplishes two things.1.

For the last two years."

I'm an out of state investor from California with $150k in cash looking to buy a single family in either Philadelphia PA or Columbus Ohio.Which area would you recommend between these two?

I also think I’m going to knock out the debt I have hanging around to lower my DTI… and hopefully those two things combined will help us qualify! 

They are probably smart enough to wait until the court date, then they'll scurry off 1-2 days prior and move to the next victim.I manage 400 rentals and this doesn't happen to me because I don't listen to excuses or play games.

Hire at least two different inspectors.And the sidewalk became an issue.

I would also recommend that they have sufficient 'skin in the game' IE additional down payment above and beyond just having lived there a while. 

@Noah Bacon, You mentioned a modest cash flow from your two properties. 

We’re talking about someone who makes their money INVESTING in real estate and real estate related assets.So, after 45 years in the real estate “game”, here is what I believe is necessary1.