* Do you have a setup fee?

In order to encourage tenants to get renter's insurance, we have been contemplating instituting a $50 monthly fee until they provide proof of renter's insurance with the owner listed as an additional insured, but not sure how well that would hold up if we ever had to evict. 

Maybe they've been burned by landlords in the past and are being very careful.You can legally reject them based on personality, facial tattoos, body odor, or other factors, but you better make sure you can prove that it wasn't based on any protected class like race, religion, familial status, etc.

Once I gave them the online option, however, and the bank didn't deliver one tenant's check causing a late fee, they've all used the online option.

If you can do short term, mid term, or rent by the room, your hassle factor is going to increase, but you may be able have it both ways - more property and still cash flow.There is no wrong answer.

You can always build in a small extra fee for a realtor if its an off market property.

Confirm that the warranty applies to the type of property you own and consider whether the annual cost and service call fees make sense compared to just handling repairs yourself or using your own trusted contractors.

When you add up legal fees, lease fees, loss of rent, etc. it can add up.

There are markets that have built in "gotchas" like the rising cost of insurance in coastal FL, regulations in much of the west coast states and property taxes in Texas; however, the deal itself is the most critical factor.

I heard it cost $100 filing fee so I didn't want to waste money if I didn't have to.