New landlords - Need suggestion and advise

[Jane Lin]

Hello everyone and happy new year! I recently just bought my first house and it's a Duplex. I'm planning rent out the first unit. As a new landlord I felt exited and worrisome. I don't know where to start and I'm afraid that I rented to the wrong people in the first time. Any suggestions and advise for the newbie? Thank you!!!

[Ryan D.]

Did you screen the tenants? Credit report, employment & income verification, past evictions, criminal check, etc.
Many online resources for this, turbotenant.com, etc.

Managing the place yourself for the first few years will give you a good feel for what it takes to be a good property manager, then go hire one to free up your time.