My strategy has been to grow aggressively (by using as little of my own money as possible) to secure good assets, and once stabilized, then work to pay down loans to own them free and clear sooner rather than later. 

I sourced the property off market and secured seller financing, and I also self manage it as an Airbnb host with nothing but 5 star reviews.

We had to wait out the First Look period, but once that passed, we secured the property below market value.

My main concern is whether it's hard to meet their criteria for properties and secure funding.

Seller Financing I am the buyer with 30 days to purchase the property and want to simultaneously market it as rent-to-own,  how can I structure the process effectively:Can I structure the deal this way, so I can secure a tenant-buyer while working to close on the home myself,  minimizing my risk and creating a win-win situation.

Also, what’s been your biggest challenge when it comes to securing the funds you need?

Interesting - I have been investing in Philly for 8 years, run a  group of 2500 small landlords, speak at lots of events, know and network with many of the players  . . . but never heard of him before.

IMO I do not believe they properly screened my tenant, just placed a tenant so they wouldn't have to cover the mortgage until a proper tenant was secured.

That's how security issues gets fixed.

He collected first/last/security payments prior to move in date and was never heard from again.