The link provided will provide some good information about tenant screening as well as some reputable companies that can provide that service for you.I would advise you to set strict screening criteria and stay patient while screening your applicants. 

Find partners, find people to bounce ideas with.Be patient.

I have been patient that they are doing their job to protect their investments like we would do.

- I am patiently waiting for the day the market goes back down and I can scope out investment properties.

For SD_IRA funds I like your notes strategy you mention where it throws of interest income that is not so tax efficient.Study the niches, find the respectable sponsors and get to work placing your money carefully and patiently into these areas.

But this works if you buy below market value, leave the properties in great shape and if you are patient.

So, I am here patiently awaiting some creative ideas from you All.

I'm a lot more patient with someone who says, "I can leave the deposit to hold the unit today and pay you first month's rent next week when I get paid on Friday after I get off work".

Hope that helps but I would say just be patient and look at a price drop if you are able.  

There are still plenty of non-homepath homes available, just be patient and work on networking in the mean time.I remember being frustrated for awhile when it seemed like every single property out here (that wasn't a total dump) was homepath and going OO immediately, but it only lasted a short while and then it went back to the norm... no properties available to anyone ;)