While doing my research I have noticed that a common theme for most first-time investors is that your first deal is typically the hardest, but, after the first, the rest come easily. 

Co-signer or not, if they don't have a job and can't get one quickly, the rent can't / won't be paid.Still may be a good idea to get a co-signer, but I'd put primary focus on employment history and bill paying habits as seen on credit report from when they were fully employed.

Credit report is almost empty.

Typical ratios lenders look for are 2.0 for global cash flow and 1.2 dscr for the individual property.

You give them a way out of where they are, and typically giving those people that way out saves them from a lot more heartache.

Comps are typically average home pricing for the area, which are normally no completely renovated.  

Hello,I am looking for a realtor experienced in short sales, foreclosures, and homes in general selling typically between 50k-100k in Columbus, Ohio.

Otherwise it's in great condition, but it would not pass an FHA inspection. 4. 12 month rule - Typically, you cannot rent out a home that you have an FHA loan on until you have lived there for at least 12 months, unless you refinance to a conventional loan. 

While direct mail works, I get about 5 mailers each month on all of my properties and they typically go straight to the trash.

@Joe: If I may ask, what is the typical investment amount if you care to share that.