If you're financing your deal with agency debt, there's a very good chance that the lender will require you to provide at least 12 months worth of debt service at closing (Fannie Mae will likely also require at least 12 months worth of real estate taxes, insurance, and replacement reserves at closing). 

We usually drive past our rentals after bad storms, but tenants have always called before we get a chance to do that if anything major happens. 

You don't have to spend time or effort on it, and you can then buy them from anywhere and 2. there's a good chance that means someone smarter with more expertise in those areas are doing the work for you.

JD Martin said it well - if you do your due diligence and the tenants are good, chances are their pets are good too.Most of my tenants have had pets, and several of them were Pitt Bulls.

The chances of them doing a short sale for someone who can afford the payments is between slim and none, and I'd take a wager it would be none.The better option is for the owner to sell the house to you on Seller Financing or Subject To.

Wait till its listed for sale. for all practical purposes, that's the only way you have the slightest chance of buying it.

Do you think I could have a chance of getting a lender without having a steady income, but if I save really good I can possibly come up with my payment myself.

If I show the lender an accepted job offer from a reputable company, is there a chance they would waive the DTI requirement even though my income would not yet show on my W2?

I am in the Louisville, KY area, and a 13 year veteran investor and I brrrr every chance I get.

And with that your going to learn more in 30 days than you could from 3 years on your own, you will get a great lease, you will have highest chances of getting top quality tenant, and you will have ultimate say on tenant acceptance.