In MA, it helps to be a little more structured than that.Here’s what I recommend focusing on:Income verification + pay stubs/bank statements (document everything)Rental history (prior landlord references + payment history)Debt-to-income / affordability (helps avoid issues mid-lease)Consistency across the application (missing info, mismatched dates, etc.)Biggest mistake I see: rushing screening to avoid vacancy… then paying for it later with nonpayment, damage, or constant drama.Always use consistent screening criteria for every applicant and follow Fair Housing guidelines.

This includes thinking through potential vacancies, maintenance costs, and how the property might perform in different market conditions.This way, you’ll be able to focus your search on properties that truly make sense for your goals, avoid deals that might overextend you, and ultimately start building a portfolio that’s sustainable and aligned with your long-term strategy.

It’s really about controlling your basis and having a clean path to refinance, not how you funded day one.Some people use all cash because it simplifies execution and avoids short-term debt risk, but plenty of BRRRRs are done with purchase financing, bridge loans, or rehab loans.

So go find newer properties that avoid that risk even if you may pay more. 

Leasing only is a great way to save money long term while avoiding the most expensive mistakes upfront.Just my two cents from seeing both sides of it.

To avoid having any of your mounting hardware going missing, just document it on the move-in inspection and in the lease, as part of the rented property.

I would avoid STR all together in markets that heavily rely on vacation stays. 

He’s helped me think more strategically, avoid costly mistakes, and build confidence in areas where I was previously unsure — all without ever expecting anything in return.

Not exactly free unless you know of a way to avoid that one. 

That foundation makes future tax years way easier and helps you avoid costly mistakes.Cost seg might help, but it’s not always necessary.