It's not foolproof, but asking other investors in your area who they are using almost always gets us started on the right foot.  

Wanted to get into STR's and have since started a STR management company.

Paul,    I started with house hacking and moved into buying a new SFH every two years with the eventual goal of buying a piece of real estate each year.

Looking to start mixing with the REI here in North Utah.

Started as he got a restraining order on her with custody of the child.

He said once you spray it on the floor to put kitty little on top and walk all over it crushing the kitty litter into finer particles.

I wish I'd gone with him to start with, and he's the one I'd hire in the future.

They would also start making rent payments immediately (if he pays for 6 months upfront) to show ability to pay.  

Our first hurdle is figuring out what type of REI we want to get into and where to start our search. 

starting out I use excel, as I grew I used quickbooks but there are many other programs out there that can track this for you.Regarding left on mortgage, I just left that with the lender and the digital statements but many times that is like watching the grass grow - especially if its a 30 year mortgage...