I do not ask for proof of citizenship per se, or ask to see a Social Security card.  

The other upside is you get to know a lot of agents in  your area, give them your card, and let them know you are an investor and you  wont make a high offer to get the house under contract, then beat the seller up for credits and adjustments, because that's just bad business, and not the way you work. 

I had solid W2 income, no debt other than the mortgages (no car loans, no student loans, all credit cards paid off each month) and all my properties cash flowed, yet a bunch of banks denied me because my DTI was too high.

If the unit takes a walk during the contract this will give you a get out of jail free card.  

Are the credit card charge-offs recent?

.), medical liens, mechanics liens, credit card judgments.You will be responsible for any unpaid property taxes or municipal fines associated with the property.If there are IRS or state tax liens they could have redemption rights (up to six months) on the property.NEVER buy a house from a homeowner in foreclosure, or bid on a house at auction, without getting a title report.

You may want to start with your area and find out who the owners are (skip tracing, tax records, post cards, knock on the door, etc.) and see if any of them are for sale or would consider selling.

Lets say 500 debt to my 2500 income which is 20% but school loans make it more like 950 (school credit cards new mortgage) debt to 2500 income is now almost 40% I can't add in anorthern 70k refinanced home because that would send me over the 43% dti. and since the rent from 2nd house doesn't count for 2 years, how does one beat the dti???

Greetings from Chapel Hill, NC.  

We did our first flip on credit cards and money borrowed from friends.