Since I can't control the world around me, I'd rather focus on making best decisions I can about what I can control, so that when something hairy does pop up, I have a solid foundation from which to respond. 

If you are confident that they are solid tenants, you can get them on a longer lease, but you can't screen/qualify tenants that are already living there (check your own state and local rules - this is based on my own experience and consultations with attorneys in Cleveland).

As long as you have a really solid screening process, and stick to it, the rest kinda falls into place.

This is a great question and a question many new investors have.The best way to ensure your success in this business to have solid comps for your subject property and to know your numbers down to a science.

Be prepared for it to be a solid 30% more expensive than a standard tenant occupied landlord policy.

If you find a great flip or BRRRR deal, go for it, but if it's not a great deal, be careful.Another solid strategy with HELOC money is building an ADU.

This is for unforeseen issues.At the same time I would buy property if I can come out of pocket with little as long as I have at least 3 solid exit strategies.Goodluck man 👍

I have solid conventional W-2 income and I do have a prequal letter in hand with a lender who already qualified me for a purchase price that's much higher than most of the cash deals I'm seeing as well so I think I'm covered there.

If you go on meetup.com you can usually find quite a few solid options to network with other OKC real estate investors.

If the first one has solid references and you feel they will rent for the long-term, then why not?