I personally think it is a function of the market cycle, and real estate is where money is currently flowing.

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

But for us turnover was constant at least 10 to 15% of the units were turning at the 12 month lease expiration.. and you cannot write longer leases at least in that market.  

In the meantime, I'll be going to local meetups to find what I'm writing about here. 

I'd also get proof of their insurance and say it must be active for the duration of their lease...and write rental insurance as part of the lease, so if they cancel it, you can get rid of them.

Consider the potential for tax breaks based on your interest payments and any expenses you may incur for the building that you can write off.

Contact the tenant, have a conversation about retaining a portion of the deposit (probably going to have to cut them a break), get them to agree, put it in writing for both parties to sign, and send them the remainder.

Some agents might write the agency for 3-6 months and tied to the area.

I believe most investors are better served hitting singles locally than swinging for the fences (and usually missing) in outside markets they don't know and with far less control over the day to day functions.

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!