I use Landlordstation.com to screen, check social media/online presence, call employers/last landlords, and this info I kept from another post on BP a while back.

Gets you in the game and learning the systems.

Because we are too new and we worried about everything is online, we chickened out eventually.

So I know this already sounds like the question that's been asked forever in the real estate game, but how can someone come up with 25% of these multis for down payment?

If a tenant 'disappears', it's usually because of financial issues and that they have already been served disconnect notices by the utility company and once power and heat get turned off, they figure that the game is over and move out, leaving a mess and broken pipes behind (especially in the freezing winter temps).  

County tax appraisal office values it at $158,212.Saw pics of the house online, and plan on visiting it later this weekend.Owner is 70’s years old, and wants to retire and move to Arizona.

Most are going to want some skin in the game until you have proven yourself with them. 

I am looking for a SECURE, reasonably-priced (preferably free) site that allows prospective tenants to fill out an application online and then have the completed application emailed directly to me (or give me online access to the information)?

It seems that relying solely on Lines of Credit is extremely risky and possibly unwise. 

Hello,I am generally new to the real estate game.