Worst case scenario a large amount of savings and a good work history might get you in the door (also assuming the rest of their screening comes back good) rent for a bit, then get mortgage for home.

He lied and said it’s perfectly fine, even having his roofer on the phone to say it’s in perfect condition.

Check the application against all of your other screening criteria before entering the murky waters of a service animal. 

Make sure you can add value to it, don't overspend, cash flow positive each month, look to purchase in a good/up and coming location and screen your tenants really well.  

Sellers will say its new and they fixed this and replaced that when you talk to them over the phone...I say until you have a ton of experience under your belt go see the house, dont take their word for it.

You make your money during the screening process.

I found a fourplex in my area, looked up the owner, and finally got his cell phone number.

Carroll County holds live auctions only, with no internet or over the phone bidding options.What was the outcome?

They are Section 8, and 100% of their rent is subsidized by the city so I'm at least getting paid, however both the husband and wife have had their cell phones disconnected and are not responding to messages.

BD Lending is based in Chicago, I believe, but we do everything over the phone and email.I don't work for them or stand to gain anything by making this recommendation - they just came through for me where no other lenders did.