One big lesson from past years as landlord

[David Smith]

Never buy properties which have tenants you can not remove right away. These tenants will be the trouble maker.

Compare inherited tenants from previous owner, to the ones I found myself ---- totally different species.

The latter group never even miss a payment. 

[Matt Ziegler]

We have had mixed results, but the majority of our long term residents have been ones we screened and placed ourselves.

Screening is the most important responsibility you have BEFORE you hand over the keys. Better to wait a month for a qualified resident than to compromise. Clear, well defined and legal rental criteria in writing is a must.