But let's say she had shoved furniture into the attic, on top of the water heater pipes, that eventually leaked through the ceiling & created a repair that cost $500.

Sometimes I deliver flowers, sometimes it's furniture, other times I just run a quick drop and hook.

So definitely take note of the "big 4" while you are looking at the property (Roof, A/C *indoor and outdoor*, Plumbing, Electrical), plus anything else you can see.

We get a lot of business travel since it's the furniture capital of the world.

Who owns the furniture?

I like your 2BR/2BA strategy especially with good outdoor living space.  

The yard is full of car parts and furniture (or I like to think of it as potential). 

Of course you could get more for the garages than outdoor spots.

I've bought some nice guns and furniture pieces, but have never bid on real estate that way.

Over the weekend I installed a lock on the outdoor hose and informed tenants I would be making visits to check for leaking toilet flappers etc.After word got around I was contacted by one of the tenants to inform me that the one unit that has in-unit laundry (preexisting when I bought the property last Nov) has been running the washer at least once a day.