I've used my smartmove and liked...now use hemlane.com which is a pretty great software for small landlords...their tenant screen is pretty robust and we OF COURSE COLLECT SSN and DL.Tenants are crazy crafty using photo shop on paystubs and pictures so you are approaching this the right way! 

If he is, great, you have s good picture.

You will get the deposit when the transaction settles and you don't want the tenant coming back later saying it was more.Try to get pictures of the property before the tenant moved in to establish move-in condition.

You make some good points.Then it seems to me that flying in before making a purchase (for example when you find a property which seems to be a deal) would be enough to scout out the neighbourhood and get a feel for the property - outside of what lives on paper and pictures.

Some of the books I've read paint what seems like a pretty rosy picture, so I appreciate this realistic response. 

ThanksI would recommend to let your sellers see the bigger picture. 

These people are valuable assets as they will take pictures for you and from time to time do showings for you.Also we recommend working with a local title agency.

If the different properties correlate with different account it gives you a really clear simple picture. 

So I definitely think understanding the big picture and how your situation aligns with your personal goals should be taken into consideration.

Oh, by the way, if you have a steady amount of properties to take photos and tours you might benefit from having Giraffe360 camera and take pictures yourself.