I’d just find some comps and call them and search for all the details about rents, deposits, fees, and pets.

Some custodians will claim to be self-directed but will give you a list of items to choose from.

For anyone that wants more details this is a decent overview from NPR news: https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2014/10/16/356693782/your-car-wont-start-did-you-make-the-loan-payment

I would need more details about how much savings you have, but usually I tell folks to keep their savings...

Fannie will give you the best rates and terms on 1-4  units) If its more than 4 units, then more details come into play?

These items are a minimum requirement.

If you do diy itemize charges and rates.

I am lucky enough that my wife is involved as well, I get to hear all the details and the ongoing city plans, discussions, and new businesses and investors coming into town.

Older homes have more risk, in my opinion, because things may not be level, you many not be able to use standard/bulk items, specialty items cost more, you need to create a space that matches the house period, and the potential pool of buyers who desire older homes is smaller (at least in our area).

I suspect there are more details here that are missing.. the joy of trying to help on BP you only get 80% of the actual facts  LOL