A strong property manager should have a reliable network of vendors and ensure competitive rates for the work they oversee.

On the flip side, if you've got a bunch of Section 8 tenants living in a building that's in a neighborhood where a lot of the tenant base has good jobs, high credit scores, and are generally reliable people, you've got the most risky tenants in that tenant base and that ain't what ya want.

I also found that if you pay people cash every day it spurs them to return more reliably. 

If you want to commit dollars to one strategy that will be reliable for years to come, I would pay a call center to call lists that you have pulled and skipped.

This includes contacting the applicant’s employer and speaking with their supervisor to confirm job stability, income, and reliability​. if the person has not been employed at their place of employment they would require a guarantorCredit Score and Debts: Applicants need a minimum credit score of 620, and while we review debts, medical debts are generally not disqualifying unless they impact overall financial health.Criminal History: We do review criminal history to ensure safety and security for our tenants, while remaining mindful of state and federal guidelines.Rental History: Positive references from past landlords, with no evictions or significant lease violations in the past five years, are essential. and we can see into the court system if they have an eviction judgement.Release of Information: We include a release form allowing us to verify employment and rental history directly, which helps us get a clearer picture of an applicant’s background.This process has worked well so far, but I’m always open to improving.

I know building a reliable local network will be key, so I'm hoping to connect with experienced real estate team in the area.The military presence in Jacksonville catches my eye, and I'm particularly interested in properties that might appeal to military personnel and the associated contractors.

Focus on location: Look for properties near colleges or hospitals—they tend to bring consistent, reliable renters. 2.

The BEST lenders I have ever worked with (as a borrower) are, as you say, quick to respond, reliable, honest, and never leave me hanging. 

A reliable property manager and CPA are worth their weight in gold, especially when you’re managing remotely.If you’d like to chat more about what’s worked for my clients or have questions about specific markets, I’m always happy to share insights.

That property is now a reliable source of rental income and a constant reminder that success starts with taking action, learning on the fly, and embracing challenges head-on.