However, if a borrower told me they had concerns about their ability to pay, I'd probably decline the application on those grounds. 

Do this enough to satisfy the ability to prove someone is living there in accordance with your particular state's laws regarding what a tenant is defined as.  

Pros: Access to MLS, ability to get into homes without needing another agent to get you access, save on commissions, make additional money  selling your own props.Cons: Having to pay yearly dues, having to disclose!

We currently use Propertyware and are not offered the ability to text from within the software.  

I think they like the structure and tracking ability the single proprietor setup doesn't allow them, oh and the annual fees (More Grins).

I'm more worried about the ability to get and keep renters.

My recommendation for you would be to consider other options other than buy and hold to try and gain experience and capital. 2-3 successful flips could really improve your ability for financing.

However, these don't take into account the average American's ability to shift their budget from discretionary spending to non-discretionary in the event of a serious financial strain.ARMs make up less than 5% of all mortgages issued and they don't have the terms they once did that handcuffed borrowers so their systemic risk is negligible.

Some vendors such as my landscaper  has electronic checks where I set them up as vendors, I get a bill from them, I go into the account, enter or change the amounts, click, it's done.Bookkeeping is still done through QuickBooks.

@Avery Goodman If you have filed your 2017 return, you have stopped the ability to proceed with your 1031.