You’ll get an automatic 20-40% discount (tax deduction) off the rates which might make doing it yourself not worthwhile. 

I would also encourage you to source leads through a software like TurboTenant which will streamline the process, in conjunction with the handouts found in Brandon's book, and likely provide a better applicant pool as your listing is automatically published to multiple rental listing sites.

It will give you an automatic head start, an amazing advantage.....

It worked out in the end and we’ve made some changes to our automatic messaging.thanks for the advice!

@Hannah KarlovichIn my opinion, Requiring permits for things in Fort Worth is like saying - DON'T SPEED OR YOU'LL GET A TICKETDo people speed and not get tickets?

Its nice to have the little stuff taken care of, but I'd get bids on larger repairs rather than automatically going with their guys.

Now a landlord (and architect), I wouldn't build out the space without the second stair since it really is a safety issue/liability (especially in case of a fire) if anything were to happen.Full excerpt of building code below:According to the Chicago building code on egress requirements, the third story above grade plane within a dwelling unit [which in this case is the duplex-up unit], all the following conditions must be met:1.) the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system2.) the floor area of the story does not exceed 1600 sq ft3.) the dwelling unit has an exit that discharges directly to the exterior at the level of exit discharge.Your third story attic space is unlikely to exceed 1600 sq ft, but you'll probably find the sprinkler system to be cost-prohibitive.

I've sold seven properties with A Cole Realty and would expect I would have heard about a broker closing a deal a day by now.

I don’t know what I don’t know and this is market I’m still getting up to speed on. 

It does not automatically mean that their recommendations are bad, and I did NOT say that financial advisors were to be avoided or ignored.