@Stephen J Davis It looks like the issues you raised are with your tenants and tenant screening. 

All the other criteria, at least based on their pre-screening responses, look passable.

I have a long term tenant who I inherited when I purchased the property he has always called us whenever there was an issue (A/C not working, Broken window, toilet not working etc) Well last night around 8:30 pm we received a call from him that he called a plumber to remove roots from the sewer line and wants us to pay the bill. 

I occasionally get someone that says, "I know this one guy..." but they can't provide actual details and it's probably just a rumor.Almost all legal disputes are over security deposits and very small amounts.Large suits involve injuries, which are only a risk if the landlord is negligent (e.g. fails to repair a broken step and the tenant falls).Even if the landlord is guilty, the suit will most likely be settled out of court and covered by insurance.Even if it goes to court, insurance will cover the costs.The odds of a landlord losing a lawsuit for more money than the average insurance policy will pay are about the same as winning the lottery or being struck by lightning twice.

So here's what it looks like broken down.

When screening your job is to decide why you should declined them...... and this guys has LOTS of those.PASS

If you're not working with a local agent to help you screen tenants...I would say the best way to get as many eyes on the property is create marketing material - add to local FB groups and host 2 consecutive open house weekends showing a model unit and amenities.If you're close to any University Campuses - I would also suggest to partner with the university for housing opportunities for upperclass students.Good luck with filling those up!

I will make sure that all topics are covered and are part of our initial screening process for future investments.Thank you again for the time and thought you put into our response.

That said, long-term the appreciation you get in the Puget Sound region is superior to many other markets, so assuming you find an excellent property management company that is able to screen tenants and only put in very well qualified, vetted occupants and you experience limited issues over the holding period, you'd likely come out ahead retaining the Mill Creek property if your financially able to do so and still buy wherever you are headed out of state.

Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of the screen and look for local investors or meetups in your area.