Gross income is easier to establish and this mirrors how lenders qualify buyers for mortgages.

@Jake Posner- thanks for the post ...if you plan on needing financing for the rental proeprty - make sure to get  fully pre approved  for the hypotehtical  scenario you are planning ...use a loan officer or lender that is licensed is all the states  you are looking at . thanks 

Opting for a reputable entity within the industry is advisable, and seeking out reviews can provide valuable insights in this regard.When seeking qualification for a hard money loan, lenders typically scrutinize four key factors: company structure, creditworthiness, liquidity, and collateral.

To me that is just hiding it and in a 30 year mortgage that is a long time to hide it and be worried about the due on sale clause.

Most private lenders on here are seeing plenty of inventory including ourselves

Also finding out that you might as well not waste your time calling hard money lenders when starting out because they want to see a couple properties you currently have.

With longer leases it might be worth it. all comes down to your investment style. eats into the cashflow but you are more protected.also, my situation is different due to mortgage cost. your one properties rent is 2.5 of my properties. my average mortgage is around 650.  

Or do you mean auctions of foreclosed houses where the lenders who end up with the houses auction them off?

One of the things you can do is reach out to a few banks/lenders and have them add you to their list of "Approved Builders" just make sure you have the time and crew because it can get busy fast.

Her mortgage statement is escrowed, this escrow pays the insurance only since she is exempt from paying property taxes.