One of my applicants showed up with little credit but no defaults, no evictions, and only traffic violations and verified income high enough to cover well over 3 times the rent and I accepted the tenant despite there being some signs.He paid the rent in time for the most part until a few weeks ago when he stopped and I could not get ahold of him.

If one is way too high or way too low I think its a red flag. 

It looks a lot like a customized version of High Level, kind of like REI Reply.   

In-person interactions are great for building trust with potential investors.Real Estate Platforms:BiggerPockets: A robust platform for connecting with private lenders and investors.Fund That Flip, PeerStreet, Groundfloor: Online platforms connecting investors with real estate projects.Social Media Groups: Facebook and LinkedIn groups dedicated to real estate investing often have private investors or lenders looking to connect.Personal Network: Often overlooked, but friends, family, and colleagues may know individuals interested in investing.Private Money Brokers: If you're working on wholesaling deals, you may find brokers who have established relationships with private money lenders.Real Estate Agents: Some agents have connections with private investors, especially those focused on investment properties.For your 50% LTV, it's good to approach investors who may be interested in lower-risk, high-equity deals.

The Real Estate Guys do a great newsletter with lots of high-level information about the economy and how it impacts real estate.  

I'm starting to acquire furnishings and am looking for a checklist of sorts to help keep myself organized as I seek the best deals on high quality goods to furnish our rental. 

Maintenance and potential repairs will also require a long-term financial plan and setting aside a contingency fund for such expenses.The steady cash flow, appreciation over time, and tax benefits can make a meaningful difference to your wealth in the long term, especially with the principal paydown on the mortgage.However, if managing the property from a distance feels too burdensome, or if you’d prefer the certainty and flexibility that comes with having less debt (especially given the high mortgage rates), selling and using the $100,000 in equity to reduce your loan for your next home may be the smarter move.

I managed a low end apartment block for several years. 

High property prices mean fewer people can afford to buy, so more people rent.

But if this is purely an investment, the high maintenance fee is a major concern.Now, let’s look at what happens in the next 5 years:Refinance After 5 Years: Assuming 4% appreciation, your property value will increase to $1,216,653.