I'm lowering my credit score, degrading my DTI, and on the hook if things don't work out (or you simply miss a payment when it is vacant) with a complete stranger. it's just peanuts and not remotely worth the risk.As far as your DTI goes, you should be able to manage that, if you have cash on hold and live a reasonable lifestyle.

But I don't know if it's wise for me to go into so much debt, particularly because I can't be there to supervise, and I don't know if I can line up the financing (credit score = 661/682/690).Any insights are appreciated.

We have good job/credit score/ VA home loan. 

Do you have a great credit score?

Get your credit score in order, get reading, once you start investing you'll carve out a great future for yourself in real estate.

Our credit score is excellent, and we have cash, but without the benefit of financing, our options are so limited for the time being.

if you were the banker, you would do the same thing. so, the lesser houses, the banks sometimes just drop the whole deal. they file a release of lien or release of mortgage with the county clerk and they throw out any claim they have to that house. they send a letter to the last known owner that virtually says " here, have your house back". all you have to do then is find that owner. i have personally bought 2 houses that way and i am waiting on a couple more houses that i think that will happen to. do some research on these houses. you might find one hell of a deal. good luck to you

In bowling, an amateur can luckily strike once or twice but the pro's are the ones who can bowl a strike 5 times in a row or...once in a while, score a perfect game and bowl 12 strikes in a row.

They do secondarily look at the individual's income and credit score, but mainly it's the income producing property that matters most.Now if you are looking to be SFR, I'm not sure how a lender would evaluate that.  

Then you have ruined your credit score and you will have collections agencies harassing you.