There is no better way to reduce the amount of cash you are risking to get into a multifamily property. 

We often end up finding out their credit score or income doesn't cut it only after we've shown them around, which honestly feels like a bit of a time sink.So, I was thinking, whenever someone hits us up on Zillow wanting to check out the place, maybe I could just ask upfront if their credit score is over 600 and if they're pulling in more than $6,000 a month.

Upper Arlington (43212) is an established Class A neighborhood with good schools and potentially stable rental income.

I have a tax question regarding how to report my rental income when my tenant made and paid for improvements and I am reimbursing them by lowering their monthly rent. 

If it's important to be near the Bay area then maybe consider the Tahoe Reno, NV market because it's only a few hours away if you need to go to the office and it offers a landlord friendly environment, low property taxes, and no state income tax.

PAYMENT DISBURSEMENTS - Incoming rents would come into a general rent account, replenish the maintenance fund for any expenses incurred through the month, take the PM fee, and then disburse the rest into the owners account.

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with zero or negative relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560, little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

They charge a reduced property mgmt fee for cash buyers. 3.  

If for example you reduce the rent and remove a concession (e.g., last month's rent free)), and someone starts an application at the old advertised higher rental rate + concession but then completes the application after the change (lower rate and no concession), is there a rule for which you must honor? 

As of now, I have saved up enough money for a down payment on a fha loan, and my income is expected to meet the loan qualification criteria soon (with my parent co-signing due to my limited income history).