On another note, I had a lengthy conversation with VRBO last night while we both looked at one of my listings and came up some ways to improve it. 

It doesn't cover any loss of income due to your rental being repaired.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Owned and wholesale residential for the last 5 years, but this is a whole new game to me.

Each unused lock/deadbolt gets stored in a freezer bag with date and unit the lock was last used on -- so we do not inadvertently place the same lock on the same unit.   

if you buy a long term rental, you may not see true returns for 5 or 10 years (although there are other immediate potential benefits, like passive losses on your taxes). 

@Jennifer Fernéz I run sum numbers for you with our tool, see comments and pics below before refinancing and post refinancing .Financial Breakdown: Purchase Price: $200,000 Mortgage (LTV 80%): $160,000 Interest Rate: 6% (30-Year Amortization) Mortgage Monthly Payment: $959Upfront Costs: Down Payment (20%): $40,000 Closing Costs (3.5%): $7,000 Renovation Costs: $15,000 1 Month of Carrying Costs During Renovation: $1,548Total Upfront Required: $63,548Year One Rent: Monthly Rent Income: $2,000 1 Month Rent Losses during renovations (-$2,000): -$167/month distributed over 12 months Total Rent Income: $22,000 per year => $ 1,833 per monthMonthly Expenses: Mortgage Payment: $959 Property Tax (Assuming $3,000/year): $250 per month Property Insurance (Assumption): $100 per month Utilities (Hydro, Gas, Water): $275 per month Assuming 5% Vacancy: $92 Assuming 0 % Repairs & Maintenance first year because unit has been recently renovated Total Monthly Expenses: $1,676Monthly Net Cash Flow: $157Post-Renovation Refinancing Strategy after 12 months:So far, we’ve purchased the property, completed renovations, and rented it out.Next, you can approach the bank for a refinance to consolidate a portion of your initial investment into a mortgage.

I moved to the Sarasota area last year, and have been impressed by the REIA meetings here.

Last thing, I would strongly consider consulting with a knowledgeable property manager or attorney once you have a copy of the current lease and all of the facts.

Based on an inspection report on one of the deals I worked on last year, I was able to negotiate over $15k of credits and repairs for a $200k house using a $400 inspection report for one of my clients.