We have expansive soils here (clay that expands when it gets wet) as well as some older cast iron lines and even some orangeburg so it's common to see sewer line issues (often just some tree roots that need to be cleaned then the line re-scoped).

Hi Forum,I currently have a portfolio of long-term rental properties in the Nashville area, and I want to explore expanding to Rochester, MN, potentially getting into mid-term rentals near the Mayo Clinic. 

I'm biased and can provide reasons and data to show that using an agent will protect you, get you more money, less stress and so on.The reality is you can do it yourself, but tenants generally don't cooperate with showings and that causes lots of problems for buyer to access the unit to show, inspections, appraisals etc.

Quote from @Marie Paul: Quote from @Adam Michael Andrews: Working is how society accesses our individual talents and abilities.

Can you expand on some pros/cons for using an option contract?

I haven't been expanding my business with LMHA since the end of 2016 per my posts above so I don't know exactly what changed, but I expect the outsourcing of inspections to private industry + some executive level leadership + replacement of staff with new faces excited to serve the needs of HUD/Landlords/Those In Need has resulted in an agency I will develop more business with.The HCVP will always be a double edged sword for landlords (See Section 8 Bible discussion) but for now I have discovered it is finally worth the effort to participate in the program.I specialize in Toledo's transition neighborhoods, discounted houses on the edge of nicer areas but also on the edge of trash...the Section 8 program allows me to get long-term tenants who are a good business model provided they are consistently managed and visited/inspected for additional "visitors" (relatives and random dogs/cats) and damage/housekeeping which can destroy a home if left unchecked.You need to know the rules, repair and renovate for long-term durability, prepare for inspections thoroughly and keep a team of contractors who will hold those standards...after 8 years we have been through a hundred inspections.

The property has about a quarter mile of street access, and no trees or anything to block it, so I wanted to put something there to give a little privacy anyway, and then these trees obviously have to go, so I was hoping to re-use them.

Just make sure only YOU have access to thermostat.5) First understand that leasing is a DIFFICULT job!

Could you expand more on what other things are important to you in this investment? 

You get the best of everything- cheap, tax free access to your equity, you get to keep your interest rate and you get the cash flow.