Good idea with giving them name and date of birth in order to allow deposits.However, if they deposit a check into your "secret" account, and their bank allows them to see the image of the cleared check, the back of the check usually shows routing number and account number where it was deposited.

I discovered BiggerPockets a couple months ago as I became interested in real estate investing.

Might be jumping the gun as properties go to auction after 3 years of unpaid taxes in my county.Contact the owner to discover what's going on and ask if they're interested in selling.

I also need to discover the strategy I want to stick to. 

The secret is I only rent to individuals that can pay and that will be hurt by a judgement if they do not.

Simply tell them that you discovered unsatisfactory rental history from a previous landlord and that they are not qualified.

Holding for time is the secret sauce in rental properties.  

I believe as the kids get older, and independent this is certainly a possibility for me.I recently discovered turnkey properties.

For example, if a renter damages your home or claims bodily injury against you, the claim could be denied.In fact, many homeowner insurance carriers will drop insureds when they discover the home is being rented on a short-term basis, typically 30 days or less at the time.

I have learned some great ideas that I will apply as I go forward, and the resources I've discovered from the interviews are terrific.