Hi there- I am a newer landlord, several years under my belt, a few properties but all in California. We recently moved to Texas and bought our first investment property.Let me start by saying I have very high and con...

Extra points to @Michael Le right out of the gate.

It usually looks like one single large apartment complex composed of 4 -unit buildings that is gated, shares parking, common areas, and sometimes has a pool.Here is an example.http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2833-E-le-Marche-Ave_Phoenix_AZ_85032_M22535-23255Notice that the HOA fees are $7740/year, or $645/month.

I went to Fry's Electronics (Best Buy probably has them too) and bought a packet of 4 window alarms for $10 - I then took some fishing line and tied one end to the the alarm switch and ran the line across the gate and tied it to the other side at about ankle height.

For me, here's the process out of the gate, which it sounds like is as foreign to you as it was to me.

(not sure if that is a FL appeal or not)It's hard to see but maybe replace the chain link fence/gate with some white style fencing?

I don't expect to have huge success out of the gate, but don't want to lose our collective shirts either.What has been your experience when starting out?

I put a lock on the gate to stop that.

t happens" if you have a bad run right out of the gate? 

And is says it's in a gated community.