You do need to have steady employment, decent credit, and not be drowning in debt.

Use services that can validate the authenticity of documents and employment history.Require Detailed Applications: Ensure that the rental application captures comprehensive information, making it harder for fraudulent applicants to provide fake details.Conduct In-Person Interviews: Meeting applicants in person can provide additional insights into the authenticity of their application and allows you to ask follow-up questions based on the details they've provided.Utilize Professional Screening Services: Professional tenant screening services are invaluable for conducting background checks, credit checks, and criminal history checks.

You can do a duplex though, which might not be a bad idea.With your credit score, conventional might be a good choice, you only need 5% down for 2-4 units if you live in one. 

INstead of just saying "no" we asked them to check with their credit card company if they offer travel insurance yada yada.. we got a 5 star review form them without giving a refund.

Do you have W-2 Income, 20% down, reserves, and a decent credit score?

I do not use a property management service to advertise and have always used Zillow to advertise, previous references, housing records, credit checks etc

They also have the Mortgage Tax Credit.

And even tougher to get it financed.. from what I can see the only folks that build new are subsidized housing in some manner or  big tax credit plays something other than normal economics.

I have not been able to find any in person networking events in my area doing a basic internet search.

Charge for amenities like cable, internet, and pet fees.