It is against the law in most if not all states to market or represent yourself as an architect without being licensed.

In CA we have had statewide ADU laws since 2019 and every year they add new statewide ADU laws.  

They update the forms every time a law changes.

Will depend on several factors like the type of property, type of tenants, your risk tolerance, other assets you own, your estate planning, laws where the property is located, etc.

The security deposit was about 1.5x monthly rent..... the PM attempted to collect the final rent payment but was unsuccessful.....Now according to the property management company they need to technically apply the security deposit to the rent (according to them is part of some sort of fair housing law or something etc.) vs applying it to the damage caused by the tenant. 

@Paul @Paul Hurtubise especially family, it's not a law and you can do it yourself, but yes record a second deed of trust if you want money from them.Good Investing...

I have no idea about Oregon law, but based on what you wrote, hire an attorney.It's never a good idea to do it yourself in anti-landlord locations.

But with horrible returns and the threat of statewide anti-landlord laws even that seems bad.

Look for the Certified Cost Segregation Professional (CCSP) designation, which indicates certification by the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP).

I'm not in NYS, but in WA you can google the law and find what is required.Going off the top of my head here for WA:Deliver a copy personally to the tenant.If the tenant is absent, by leaving a copy with someone of suitable age and discretion at the rental unit AND mailing a copy.If neither of the above are possible, by posting a copy on a conspicuous place on the premises, handing a copy to any person living there, AND mailing a copy.There's also a form that goes along with notifying them.