If they fail to comply, you may need to involve legal counsel or contact your state’s real estate commission.Hire a Reliable Manager: Finding a professional, responsive property manager is key.

It's a new resource from BiggerPockets that helps you find reliable property management partnerships and gives you everything you need to make confident hiring decisions:-Expert Matching: Match with professionals who meet your criteria-Extra Assurance: See licenses, experience, ratings, reviews, and more that can be cross-checked with BiggerPockets members-Bonus Content: Plus they'll send you an interactive workbook: “How to Interview Property Management Companies”Hope this helps!

Any tips on finding reliable professionals in my area?

Reliable, thorough housecleaning services can be challenging to find.

You’ve already taken a decisive step by proving your reliability to friends and family, which is huge.

The best way to see if someone is a reliably paying tenant is by their credit score. 

Diversifying geographically can also reduce risk and increase long-term returns.For example, there are several markets across the U.S. that are ideal for new investors because they offer affordable entry points, reliable cash flow, and strong economic fundamentals.

First, it fast-tracks your learning as an investor - you are forced to develop better time management skills, build your network of reliable contractors/ handymen, etc..Second, when you are ready to transition to a property manager, you are well equipped to evaluate and hire the right company.3.

And if I find a reliable agent and reliable property management company in one of those cities, then I'd start there.

These tend to attract more reliable tenants, and the properties generally require less maintenance.