Hello,so I recently got under contract the following property located in Southern Utah (well, we're still waiting for the bank to countersign, but they gave their verbal approval):- Fourplex built in 1996, 5400 sf total (so each unit about 1350 sf)- 2 stories - 2 units downstairs and 2 upstairs- Short Sale- Contract price: $51k- 3 units rented at average of $550/month (market rent, if fixed up: $600), 4th unit unhabitable- ARV if there wasn't a foundation issue (which needs to be disclosed to a future buyer) would be somewhere between $250 and $300k- Value of the land (about 0.25 acres): $10kThe property was apparently built on soil that is rich in gypsum, and the proper procedures were not followed at the time (the proper procedure is apparently to excavate the soil down to a certain depth, then replace it with new soil that does not contain gypsum).Poor drainage around the building caused water to get into the ground, which washed out the gypsum and the property started sinking.

The best example I can give is this: If you hire someone to come to your home and wash your car and you allow them to wash their own car while they're there, although they are technically conducting a "business activity," they are NOT ooperating a commercial business on the premises(which is what the law allows you to prohibit).If you hire that car washer to open up shop and use the property as their brick & mortar where other clients bring there cars to be washed, however, now you're entering into the commercial use arena. 

I am planning on launching a roof washing & exterior cleaning cleaning business in the spring!

There are thousands that wash out.

Ever have to wash a water heater (located in a kitchen corner because this is a "vintage" house) covered in two inches of dust and hair?  

Anything you can use a checklist on is going to be the same (Change sheets, change comforter and wash every 7th guest, etc.)Hope that helps... and feel free to reach out directly... also, @Al Williamson is developing a great guide for people like yourself who are managing remote rentals.

When I asked him if he was licensed and insured (usually the fact that you don't have a ladder is a dead giveaway), he said if he was he would be able to charge me thousands of dollars for it.

How does that all work out in the wash for you?  

What was he thinking?

Biggest mistake is owners think they can open up and all this business will wash over them like money falling from the sky.It doesn't work that way.