Length of employment   Successfully pass third part screening - I use Smart MoveGood Luck.

@Ryan Cleary Highly recommend and a great choice using Carmela from Cleveland Mortgage, she has done a number of refinances for me.  

Try smart move for tenant screening.

It's smart to build relationships with many banks, particularly local banks because of their flexibility.

I'm currently doing all the reading I can and listening to the BP podcasts and getting my financial ducks in a row.So question, I've owned my house for 5 years and have been making double and sometimes triple mortgage payments thinking that was a smart thing to do with my money.

@Wes Rice obviously they aren't providing the lending services you want now, so even if they were the best choice in the past it doesn't sound like they are for your current situation.

Good choice of market too haha

Think about it this way: if I go out and crush a six-pack, drive home, and get there safely with no accident, does that mean that I made a smart decision or made the right choice?

Put in nicer appliances, some modern tech tools such as smart detectors and thermostats.

My advise for you, one of these day sit back, have a beverage of your choice and ponder on net income per month that would meet your goals, that was my starting point.