. - if you're renting by the room vs renting the whole unit to a group of friends, have the following written into the leases: designated cabinets, designated fridge space, designated laundry days, overnight guest rule (and what's considered 'overnight'), + large gatherings rule.- remember that you'll be paying all utilities if you rent by the room, so factor that into what you charge for rent, and consider using remotely-controlled nest thermostats so they can't jack the heat up beyond what any normal person would pay for (if you're in a cold area). the same could be said for a home with central air in a warmer climate.- consider baking into the rest biweekly housekeeping, so that you know that the property is being kept up with (prevents pest issues), and you won't have to deal with any quarrels over who's cleaning the common areas more than who.- always have the parents co-sign the lease.- make a manual for them. what would your own kids be calling you about when they first move out on their own?

I would definitely require a long term lease unless it's specifically designated as a mid term.A 5b house can be difficult to keep rented.

I've been a land broker for fifteen years, and for the smaller pieces I work on, the buyers are extremely random and come out of the woodwork, needle in the haystack types. 

The CCIM designation is a big plus but not required.

Which is the best depends on your goals and how you want to design your deals.

Design your own value add project.

There will be consolidation in the real estate industry, in both quantity of individuals and brokerages, as well as the availability of prime buyers brokers that can adapt and move the needle.

Cleaning out the property - the designated next-of-kin and executor will be responsible for removing and dispersing the deceased tenant’s belongings before the lease period is over.Unfortunately, it does look like this can be a long process and patience will be needed as you will be dealing with an estate. 

Most STR markets are really crowded so it takes thoughtful design to make your property stand out.

The drafter will tell you what the expected timeline for design will be, timing for permits with city, what the lot and zoning allow you to do… etc The contractor : has to be someone that knows how to do the work (experience), is not too expensive so that the investment makes sense at the end, but is also not unrealistically cheap, to the point that they won't finish the project or they will simply run off with your money… Assuming you have an honest and experienced well priced contractor, then they will give you an understanding of costs for the entire project (a ball park bc you won't know 100% until you get RTI permits from the city (approval)).