Also, during the first 5 years of a conventional when trying to remove PMI based on a new appraisal, you have to meet a 75% LTV, not 80%, last time I checked. 

I also understood that rather than paying them $40-50k, I could probably do better to invest in a property and learn by doing.I recommend attending local REIA's meetings.

I currently have a house listed on Zillow for rent and I have had several applicants who don’t meet the criteria, yet still are insistent I should rent to them.

Don't be late on any more payments going forward.Start attending all of your local REIA meetings.

I'm in the Midwest in a hot area.

Turns out another tenant in the building has suddenly started with the same type of behavior, trying to push lease terms, and trying to dictate when we can send our service guys in, always on their terms, never meeting half way. 

Go to local investor meet ups.

After wasting a few days interviewing, we sat down and I specifically told the agent to stop processing people that do not meet criteria.

Hey BP, I am a new investor from North Carolina and will be traveling to Detroit next week and am looking to meet with some locals to grab a drink or meal with and talk real estate.

Also, would like to meet up anyone in the  area to just talk and network.