totally agree Steve, if applicant doesn't wanna complete application that's a huge flag right there that they won't be cooperative.thx Mike, shukria Pari baba, will look into smartmoves! 

I know higher education gets your application to the top of the pile.. but I want more for my kids than that.. and of course feel real estate investing is the way to go..

you don't go through the same qualifying and loan application process.  

for now - what service provides a decent way to log in online and input the applicant's data and run the credit & background check together?

I had fewer applicants, but still enough to have multiple folks wanting to apply.  

FDirst step, find a good local mortgage broker and they can explain FHA, and get an application from you for a preapproval so you Know what you can qualify for.

Mike:CAP rate is really not applicable to residential properties (1-4 units) as they are not valued based upon fiscal performance.

Currently I am in the process of buying a property, but the further I progress into this transaction, the more I realize I do not know the rules.

I'll keep you apprised, regarding my progress.

Tax Collector that it was withdrawn because:- a lien holder on the property bought some sort of legal action to stop the sale and paid taxes while auction was in progress- county did not identify the lien holder during notice period.