Always remember to do the math analysis and try to look at the prospects before you make an offer or at least have a clause in the sales contract that allows you some time (about 15 days) to do a detailed inspection and possibly back out of the deal without a penalty that will hurt you.Do what is the average in that neighberhood for best results.  

I work downtown and would like to have someone help me analyze my current property and help figure out what should be done (maintenance/updates); what can be done (1860s foundation); and what makes sense to do (to keep up the rents vs the prospect it will be torn down if I sell).

For many, the fear of failing is greater than the prospect of success and so they find reasons to not jump in head first.If this is you, then I would suggest buying a small 1-2 bedroom turnkey property as your first deal instead of something that will require a lot of work such as a rehab. 

You could also say during your first phone call with a prospective tenant that prior to the showing you will be checking the local database to verify their answers as part of your pre-screening process, if you find out they lied about their eviction history or criminal background you will cancel the showing.

Always do the math analysis and try to look at your prospective property or at least have a clause in the sales contact that allows you the time(about 10 days) to make a detailed inspection without a penalty that hurts you too much.

If you use SmartMove or other third party screening systems where a landlord or manager does not have to (or does not want to) take personal information on an application because the "system" takes care of the screening, you may still want to collect a prospect's Social Security Number (SSN) and/or birthdate.

I used mySmartMove; setup SmartMove for prospective tenant to pay fee. 

If you appear to be someone who isn't wasting their time/who understands what he wants/needs your prospects for loan pre-approval improve.5.  

Do you have Protocol of Successful ways to prospect & attract value added deals ?

You might want hire an Attoney or a CPA (or tax accountant) to advise you after you decide on your niche.Always do a math analysis on your prospective properties and try to look at them or at least have a clause in the sales contract that allows you the time (usually about 10 days) to do a detailed inspection and possibility back out of the deal without much of a penalty that will not hurt you too much.