The deception ensures return of your deposit etc.I might go to the tenant, investigate finances and say they just got a get out of jail free card.

Our website is with Investor Carrot but needs to ensure I am hitting all data points of contact.

With your SOW, ensure you included everything you want and not just assume that is it included. 

Just make sure you have adequate coverage through your own insurance company.One of ours already has about 10 weeks booked off-platform next year, mostly from repeat guests, so vetting guests is not an issue...I suspect as you get a few years under your belt, you will have enough repeats to ensure a large number of off-platform guests.

If you do decide to partner with other investors make sure to do your DD to ensure all partners have the same long term goals. 

I ensured my properties would cash flow as long term rentals. 

You pay them to ensure your property is in great condition, they should be your eyes on the ground.

If you get your license and don't intend on helping others, you can still access the MLS, which is important to ensure you have good information.

Should I offer a few grand over asking and ask for a seller's credit at the table to ensure I get funding?

Should I try to maximize my preapproval amount to ensure that I am taken seriously when evaluating larger multifamilies?