It seems like what makes a “good insurance company “ is a balance of how low the premiums are and how fairly they process claims.  

Now I mean great performing first trust deeds/mortgages not Non perfomring seconds and non performing notes.. those are more work than landlording many times. just some options to stay in the game.. most of our note clients over the years start selling off rentals as they tire of being a landlord and re balance their portfolio.you can do this in an area also were @Jim K. and @Dennis M.

I’m active duty Air Force and balance my service with being a part-time realtor.As you identify your financing and specific investing strategy, continue to educate yourself, and take action.I wish you all the best as you get started.I look forward to hearing about your first property.

Over two minor collection items; bounced checks; multiple/history of past due payments on consumer accounts; charge-offs; high debt to limit ratios on multiple revolving or unsecured installment loans (noting also the associated monthly payment amounts due against their income); and anything housing related...old utility (including cable, cellphone, water/power) or rent balances from other locales, evictions, and past short term rentals/frequent address changes.

I use Smart move because I want to see their actual credit lines, accounts, balances, etc.

  $300 or repairs and maintenance.My current assumptions: - The $25k down payment is not an income statement expense as that is capital investment and would hit the balance sheet.- The $75k remaining on the house is also just a PP&E item in the balance sheet that gets reduced by depreciation over time.- The $300 of repairs and maintenance should be expensed.- The $500 should be split into 1) Principal ($300), 2) Mortgage Interest ($150), 3) Escrow/Taxes & Insurance ($50).- I assume the $300 of principal would only impact the balance sheet and not the income statement.- I think the Mortgage Interest $150 and Escrow/Taxes & Insurance of $50 would be on the Income Statement as they are expenses that are not capital in nature?

Original balance on the loan was 1.3M in 2009.

It's a balancing act. 

@Dan Handford, yes I agree with you in that there are several regional and conventional banks that will give you a loan (recourse) with limited experience but usually only IF you can provide a solid business plan and will be using an experienced PM but most still need to see your balance sheet. 

@Silvia BaierYou need find potential partners or investors if you can not fund the down payment, or if your balance sheet is not strong enough.Living in the property would be huge!