I really like the creative suggestion that Al Williamson gave "1 -Ddivide residential space into "storage" space for students going away for 3 months.

@Al Williamson,  A house visit to prior residence?? 

Thanks also to @Sue Kelly and @Al Williamson for the additional perspective.  

Have a written criteria and stick to it - even if that means leaving the unit empty while you keep looking (totally agree with @Al Williamson on this). 

Thank you everyone for your input @Nicole Williamson I'll definitely have a separate discussion about the do's and dont's of smoking when and if we sign the lease.1) Would it be legal to take a separate deposit for smoke damage, like say $500, in case there is a damage to the carpet?

@Al Williamson  I also use a key box ($30 at home depot).  

@Al Williamson - upper and lower each have separate laundry and wifi is part of the entire package, but I love what you're thinking. 

@Al Williamson is right, one approach is to delay closing until leases expire, and you could even have a clause in the contract that the units are to be delivered vacant with no tenants so you can pick your own, and charge your own rents.Another option would be to pay the tenants to leave early. 

@Brian Gibbons    Good idea, sounds like a good backup exit strategy@Al Williamson@Michael Herr - Thanks for the Reality Check.

@Al Williamson - Is there a good speech you've used in the past when knocking?