The cost breakout seems very helpful too I think that will help a lot of people.

Keep things above board and hire people who have good accounting and communication.

People will be looking for places to stay.

Hello, wanted to get peoples thoughts on long distance rentals and how I should best prepare --I have two 3 unit buildings in Chicago that I have owned for several years.

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. 

Which is not easy for possible for many people (like your husband).Once you really know what to do, the risk level drastically reduces.

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.

Jason Chambers is the guy I refer people to.