Once you commit to this, it can actually be quite rewarding to provide housing to tenants.For contract renewals and rent increases, the first step is to familiarize yourself with local laws.

I do not want to stretch into California due to the Landlord laws and taxes. 

He may get stuck with rent control laws that prevent him from catching up later. 

I'd try to understand landlord laws in each market - i.e. figure out which markets are more landlord friendly.

I'm Mr. boring property law. 

You may also run afoul of local/state laws against people that contact people in foreclosure to buy their home.

Irvington is very similar to newark, which has very strict laws with regard to rent increases. 

See if it leaks into their unit.Depending on your local laws, even if it leaks, you may not be responsible.

For example in California there is a 10 year structural warranty by law (and shorter warranties for different systems).

The other 50% just don’t understand real estate law, real estate principles, real estate finance, and real estate agency.