They barely lasted in California (they are based on London).The challenge is (1) you are assuming all listings have open houses and (2) there are a lot of moving parts that can happen behind the scenes.

Follow the step for the deposit-even if it is to send a registered letter to their last known address stating that the deposit was used for outstanding rent and whatever damages or cleaning was needed (itemize it). 

In LA, my last vacancy was about a week.The hardest part honestly is understanding the laws and dealing with the tenants around it.

I have a program nationwide that does NOT require GC to sign anything, only provide proof of 3 C/O's (certificate of occupancy) over the last year I.e. built received occupancy permission now unit is on market or habitable.  700+ FICO I can get you 80%LTC loan to cost on the project on ground up construction for 1-4 units. 

If he opts for a townhouse, a low HOA fee will help his buying power It gets tricky using lease agreement income when purchasing a house so I do not think that idea will work.

We moved down to Jacksonville last year with our dog and cat from Minneapolis.

This is how much you need to increase your room rate to become profitable based on last year's information.

Lastly, in this example, if you are only able to collect rents but have no equity on the property - that is worse for the investor than owning the property.

Hi, I bought a home last year in Lancaster, California.

The last year I renovated a single family home to rent, pulled out some equity, couldn’t have gone better.