Screen any tenants thoroughly. 

Recommendations for preferred and thorough source that includes option for applicant to pay directly?

Ideally I would like to work with someone who is flexible, easy to work and communicate with, experienced and knowledgeable, very thorough, and willing to put in time and effort.Also, I assume agents would be residential not commercial for properties of this size and type, or would either type of agent work for my situation?

When I came to this country in the mid '80s immigration was very thorough.

The scope of work and estimated construction cost are thorough and completed by a top notch construction company. 

The job of the investor is to vet the sponsor thoroughly and then vet the deal.

While staying in is the best choice for some people, I think that the kind of man that has taken the initiative to become a student of REI and buy multiple investment properties while still serving should do just fine in the "real world".I say... form a plan based on thorough research and solid data, utilize that intestinal fortitude you've built up over the years (I've always loved that term and NEVER get to use it these days!

Although i have the guidance to thoroughly review and execute wealth building strategies, the prospects i am getting are slow moving. 

Nonetheless, you should always provide intelligent and thorough feedback to your realtor/broker.

Of course hindsight is 20/20 but in the future I will look for more thorough representation throughout the process.