I check on past landlord history and have applicants provide verification of income -- bank statements showing direct deposits, statement of pension benefits, or signed employer verification form if still working, and contact landlords and employers before I have applicant pay tenant screening service directly for credit/background check. 

Employment is expanding, population growth is solid, and wages are rising.

Just because something is working for you does not mean it will work for them.Realtors are a fickle bunch and will leave you if something goes wrong or they feel pushed into an uncomfortable area.The last bit of advice , agents are independent contractors and requiring them to be investors may pierce the independent contractor viel and open you up to being an employer at the least and a investment advisor at worst and not a team leader.

As previously stated, the best strategy is to employ professional Property Management to help illuminate the particular property submarket an help flush out your business plan.

25% into a ladder cd set up for the next couple years. 50% invest into brokerage account. 25% i would look for a House in the southeast, small college town with a couple big industry employers and probably do a small 2/4 plex there.

This has led to 0 vacancies and no late rent on our properties in 7 years.You can ask for paystubs and W-2s for most employed individuals.

@Mark Johnson Arden-Arcade area in Sacramento with close commute to downtown and large employers (Kaiser, Sutter & Mercy Hospitals).

Ok so Im self employed (own a car dealership) for tax purposes Im not showing that much income (35K) or so.

but what if the area seems far from employment?

I am currently employed as a Behavior Therapist and would like to venture into real estate, specifically small multifamily buy and hold investing.