This is not normal unless they have pending bills they need to ensure get paid. 

Their data isn’t great for that. 

Previous landlord references will matter to a certain degree only because I know it's possible to get a bad reference simply because of a personality difference that could have nothing to do with how promptly rents were paid and how well the apartment was kept.Thank you Mark & the few others who cared to call him out on his conscious or unconscious racist views.Just as a data point out here in Oregon were the population is about 90% white  8% hispanic and 2% everyone else. our neighborhoods are just like any other neighborhoods in virtually every city..

I learned to put a memorandum on the home at the sheriffs office as a "lien" to further secure my deal.Doing my research and communication with everyone from the court, bank, attorneys, etc.on a constant basis ensured that nothing was delayed or missed.I learned about abatements and how to get to the next level when I had a uncooperative code enforcement office.

It's based on zoning, use, sq ft and largely driven by sales data. 

You also want to ensure your assets are protected and you are set up correctly with the proper legal structures.  

Good data point.

Once you have a good rep & portfolio of properties it will be easier to A-attract investors, B-ensure trust and earn full operating trust.

That’s why the IRR doesn’t always measure the return on the initial investment.When looking at a “good return” you simply want to ensure that your return reflects a sufficient amount based on the risk of your investment.

You use to be able to pay $20/month and have unlimited access to the data base, but now you only get 100 look ups each month.