Quote from @Andrew Steffens: There are probably more experienced people on this type strategy who will hopefully chime in. 

I get a lot of applications from out-of-area people, typically moving from another state.

Steady pay, you can learn how to manage property and deal with people, and you'll be licensed to handle sales on the side.

Many, many people have made huge fortunes on SFR's alone.Speak extensively with anyone who invests in RE and do everything you can to pull out why you *shouldn't* do something.

I never was able to coordinate a consistent quarterly meeting for planning, I never knew who to contact because they have multiple levels of their workers and people were constantly moving in and out of the organization.  

The loft is very successful on Airbnb and people love the main house for long term rental.

We make people take photos of themselves holding their ID and then I also meet them in person for the showing - at least for my units on the NW side of Chicago.I've never heard of these testers, but I am not surprised. 

My experience has been that although I outline the requirements for tenancy in my properties, both brokers and PMs still send people who would qualify for most property owners but do not meet my outlined criteria; and then are SHOCKED when I reject them.  

I have a couple of people that this has happened to, and you need to have it in writing and tied to the property to make it work. 

I usually like to start it shorter to be safe if I need to end the tenancy, but I know some people opt for the longer 14-15 month leases.