get an FHA 3.5% down " an expert is some one who can see past the obvious path and helpIf you are going to open market , try to get referrals from your agent , contractor or any body who is in real estate business - Also keep in mind  that there are lot of lenders/brokers who change the terms at the last moment , so even if you hear what you want to hear initially - make sure you have references and a solid backup

What I was saying about her was that it was odd, lots of other things I couldn't put in the body of the text  that sent off a huge red flag.   

Just finished paying off my student loans last month (huge weight off my shoulders), and am looking for more ways to become financially stable while owning my own property.

Everyone on this thread has made very valid educated points.I don't suggest this for a newbie living paycheck to paycheck; but if your in a financial position to bear the weight of some repairs and vacancy out of pocket, this may be a great long term play.Although we don't typically invest upon speculation, an educated person could make an assumption So Ca will continue to increasing in value over a long term period.

Think a list of qualifications that applies a weight to each trait:Credit Score - XPets - XIncome - XPrevious recommendations - XLength of proposed lease - XDeposits - XTransunion gives you a go- no go decision but the above may help you grade the quality of each potential tenant while being objective.   

Hey @Steve DellaPelle - I'm not speaking from personal experience here just my opinion, but I'd say that this depends on how heavily weighted each benefit is to you.

Myself with 6 inch thick tax returns and no NON commercial underwriter can really under stand them LOL  its frustrating no doubt. but it was necessary to protect the industry.as @Chris Mason  a great private RMLO is worth their weight .. we use one in Oregon for our deals here I would never go anywhere else.. been 16 years with same person..

And they really wanted to dive into my connection to the area.Now do I know how much weight a loan committee put on each of those contributing factors?

I'm a newbie in MF so I know of this confusion firsthand.I have pointed this out a few times but your weighing in on it sure carries a whole heck of a lot more weight!

While appraisers do need to include actives/pendings in their report, a sold comparable will carry primary weight.