Banks want to make sure you have enough income to service all your debts plus regular living expenses.

Many of them truly CAN NOT handle the pressures of a regular job.  

So apart from searching BP for investors in your area, how about drive-by's - even contractors (especially those doing reno's) can be a valuable source of information about local investors they know of or have worked for.Hows about dropping into your local Title Co, not a BP resource, but I'll bet they'll be aware of investors who buy from them on a "regular" basis (whatever 'regular" may be in your location).Good luck.

Or older couples that have health issues?  

I find, if I regularly use such an attorney, he will often send some deals my way.

If you buy in a state where they have a branch you might can get a regular loan through them as a Canadian citizen etc.If there isn't that connection and you want to own on your own then the foreign national program putting 40 to 50% down or paying all cash is the answer on the small balance stuff.You can get great terms with non-bank for 25% down but would need about 750,000 with 500,000 down, 200,000 in reserves, and 50,000 for legal and closing costs.

Every month, men's health (or women's health) has a "new" fitness routine for rock hard abs.

We make sure that the lenders get regular progress reports, and send pics, etc.

As I remember, the well was pretty low maintenance, while the septic needed regular attention. 

Easy stuff like water heater change outs should be a minimum number of billable hours (or flat rate) for a regular customer.