I use this a lot for location based discussions: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing Check out the BP Podcasts.

This is my first trip lending on a deal, but I've run plenty of corporate A&D transactions at work and this was normal course of business.

As I am searching for people to fill out the lease in the townhouse, are there any suggestions for screening potential tenants (other than BiggerPockets Guide), such as template rental applications or useful online services? 

I took a trip through different areas outside of town looking for multifamily homes and a few apartments.

The best thing is to speak to a lender that will guide you on what / if / and when you should pay some things off.

Then schedule meetings with those people and take a short trip out there to speak with those people and see the area for yourself.

Hello, I thought I would introduce myself here on BP, but before I go any further & start asking questions, I think it's wise for me to read "The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide TO REAL ESTATE INVESTING".

You're right, it's strange the breakers did not trip when things are melting.

(I'm going to guess if you're married, that the second option would be better.)Whatever you're hoping to do, the best place to start is to find a lender who can walk you through the options and a good investment-minded agent to guide you in the market.

If you switch those outlets out to a gfci outlets, the tripping mechanism in the gfci will give you the safety portion that having a ground would.