Partner referred it to me, and we negotiated directly with the sellers How did you finance this deal?

My primary people have been good at referring others to me generally - like when my handyman was on vacation, he referred me another handyman when I had a need that had to be tended to within a few days5.

Then asked if I had friends to refer him to if I wasn't interested...yeah right send my friends to a scammer. 

This is often referred to as a "seller carryback" for the second portion.

For future reference, Evolve is not a "management company."  

His criminal record shouldn't play a role if he was released from prison five years ago and has held a steady job, has good landlord references, etc.Disorderly conduct looks pretty minor, and I don't see how it poses a risk to you.

As you get started in your RE journey ill give you a recommendation.This website is a great reference point for figuring out what each area is like. https://www.areavibes.com/It gives you a total LIVABILITY score for each street and zip code.

Sam, the requirement to wait before refinancing—often referred to as a "seasoning period"—is a standard practice by many lenders, even if you're only doing a rate and term refinance. 

They have referred me 2 different doctors over the past 3 years.

I had to prove that my credit score was acceptable, that I had not only good references from my current landlord, but the 2 previous ones.