Some of the patchy grass is from a dog, but we also paid $25/month for the 30months we lived there in pet rent.

Some optional coverage that may be valuable for you (depending on the propery):- backup of sewers & drains- Ordinance & Law (if building codes require rebuilding differently)- Personal Injury (Liability for Libel, Slander, ...)Non Insurance Risk Management ideas that you can look into are:- review your contracts- require Tenants to have a Renters policy- look at advantages of LLC for each property- Pet policy (many companies will not write policies if certain breeds of dogs are at the property)

Tenants also are responsible for repair of all damage that results from their neglect or abuse, and for repair of damage caused by anyone for whom they are responsible, such as family, guests, or pets.85 Tenants’ responsibilities for care and repair of the rental unit are discussed in detail on pages 24-25.Conditions that make a rental unit legally uninhabitable There are many kinds of defects that could make a rental unit unliveable.

Not with pets.

His friend does not help with lawncare, has had an unauthorized pet on the premises, and has painted a room (causing damage to the floors and trim) which also violated the lease agreement.

Many buyers prefer a fenced yard especially if they have young children and pets.  

You might look at all convictions case by case and ask questions to determine their eligibility (each state may or may not have laws regarding criminal discrimination).Pets: NO DOGS (unless they are service dogs) PERIOD!

I'm starting to wonder if there isn't a market here like there is for renting to pets.

(unauthorized pets, evictions, slow pay tenants,etc.)and a myriad of other questions...Experience is the number one indicator of success.

@Jim Cran @Eric P. et al.This thread may be of some help on mitigating self employment taxes.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/67/topics/144...