New Landlord looking for tips and advice.

[Chris Gilliland]

Hello Everyone. I am a new landlord about to get my first rental ready for a tenant. I am looking to the Pro's here for any advice/tips/things to look for as I go about this. Specifically as far as clauses/ rules to make sure are in the lease and any tips on screening tenants.

The home has been a rental property since 2010 with the previous tenant staying 5 years. Before that, it was owned by my grandparents. I purchased the house from their estate. It is a single family home on a large fenced lot with an outbuilding. I'm generally in the No Pet side, but the yard lends itself to outside dogs (fenced in plus fenced kennel). Does anyone have luck with "outside" dogs actually staying outside?  Everything is in good shape so my current plan is interior paint, refinish hardwood floors and clean up the yard. Of course, make any needed repairs.