Have you looked into mini splits for supplemental ac, this would be my go to to at least explore. 

The credit check gives you their payment/debt history from the past 24 months, and the background check gives high-level crime, previous address, etc. information.I supplement this with a thorough interview (I'm house-hacking and will have to live with these people though), and call their previous landlords/references/roommates to confirm that what they've told me is true.

generic locations are widgets, in a market where widgets are profitable, you will do well.

If you are wholesaling a home directly from a seller the pof should not be needed.If you are trying to wholesale REO or through a Realtor/MLS, you will most likely need the pof.If you need one, contact a HML and they will most likely write up a generic one for you.

You can set it up so they ask and answer specific questions, or you can simply have them answer generically and take a message.

My goal is to build a Rental portfolio to supplement my income in the next 5 years.

Both of you really need bulletproof paperwork that's been properly vetted and originated in your state by someone who knows what they are doing.The generic loan documents I've seen from title companies are often terrible.

I am looking to get started in REI to supplement my retirement savings and have some additional post retirement income. 

Just generic advice for anyone who’s picking an agent the number one thing I’d look for is are they giving you multiple outcomes choices, for instance I think this is likely a good investment but here’s things that could wrong (I literally had a client just this week wanted to brrr who I told while I was happy to help him find a ltr the numbers for brrr didn’t really work in our market) here are multiple different price points, if you not comfortable looking at this price point you should check out x neighborhood instead, anyone who promises you the moon, or a early retirement, run lol.

My goal is to build a portfolio to supplement or even early retirement.