So the trust factor is alleviated which I'm sure can be a struggle at times.

Requiring first month's up front in certified funds alleviates that concern.  

would seller financing of the deal allow them to collect a smaller amount in a longer term that might at least alleviate the lump sum payment/ capital gains?

@Brian Seelos yes, I have general liability insurance that covers my team for any rental we manage.Booking fees -To alleviate owners nitpicking the fees many call it a marketing fee which will be included in the rate to offset those charges.

Thanks so much for the feedback, @Michael Greenberg, @Lucas Carl and @Tim SchroederI have actually been providing the black washcloths for a few months now, and it hasn't alleviated the issue here!

If you had a strong income year as a real estate professional and can alleviate your tax burden NOW while the physical structure will depreciate over the next 40 years, it can be very beneficial.

On one hand, if the goal is eventually creating passive income it seems like I could do something much simpler like buy a multi family rental property in nearby Reno (much more affordable), but I do like the idea of doing something personally to alleviate the housing crunch here.By far the most complex part to start seems like understanding zoning code & finding property.  

So not only do they count that whole mortgage payment in with any new mortgage payment to determine how much we qualify for, they won't count the rent we receive from that property as part of our income, even with a signed lease and proven payments -- double whammy.So to alleviate this problem, we are buying a much smaller unit here in MD, will live in it until we have 2 schedule E's for the old property, when it will just blend in with our other rentals on our tax returns.

(now on a month to month)Just today I had a good friend tell me he paid 6 months rent upfront for his newly ex daughter in law so his grandkids would have a decent place to live.If the tenant passes screening, take the money and alleviate the "are we going to get rent this month?"

@Jennifer Jesse Without bringing some cash to the table I'm not sure you could alleviate his fears about seller financing.