The first two steps are 1. having a vacancy marketed and 2. receiving inquiries.

Is it your first one?

Hey @Chelsey Coleman, well it sounds like you could do it that way.I would first start with locks on all the interior doors where you don't want the room occupant to go.

I'm looking into what it takes to buy my first house/multifamily property out of state.

I’m considering it more and more but I feel I should stick with the area I’m familiar with and play it safe for my first rental.

For the first 12 months only 25% of the debt is counted towards the DTI, after 12 months none of it counts towards their DTI.If someone is desperate enough to sell their home sub-to, chances are good that they aren't buying a new property within a year anyway.

Its going to be more about those factors than any local market factors for DSCR Lenders.The lender should have gone over the prepayment provisions more closely before closing, but assuming you likely have whats called a "stepdown" prepayment penalty shorthand called "5/4/3/2/1" - this means that you can refinance and prepay, however if done in the first year of term you will have to pay a 5% fee, second year 4%, third year 3% etc. 

I'm Eric - my wife and I are exploring purchasing our first rental property, ideally in the Pittsburgh area (especially the South Hills).

Was your first property also in Chicago?

Why don't you go first and share yours?