Yeah I can't see giving up that 2.6% unless you found a smoking deal off market or something, and agree HELOC for $18k isn't worth it.

I plan to take it apart this summer and clean the burners (hack saw blade to the slots) and seal up any gaps in the cast iron puzzle pieces that comprise the combustion chamber (but first I will blow theatrical smoke inside the chamber in order to suss out where any potential leaks might be).

Lastly they were smoking on the property.

(with minor exceptions for really smoking deals).

The smoke detectors needed to be installed.

All all I got to say is don't skimp in trying to find the cheapest contractor or the cheapest property manager.Also find one that will agree to start the eviction process the first time rent is past due more than 5 days.This sends a message that you are not going to put up with late rent and generally will only need to happen one time to get your point across.Florida is a transient state so it's fairly easy to get deadbeat renters out of your property.However if you prequalify your potential renters the right way you can avoid bad situations.Have the Property Management Company take a look inside the potential renter's car when they arrive to see the property, if it's a pigsty and they smoke (even if they say they will smoke outside), and most especially if they're also a Credit Criminal do not rent to them.But, do not turn away people who have recently gone through bankruptcy or a foreclosure or short sale who are trying to reestablish, because they can be some of the best longer-term renters out there right now.

It's non smoking, minimum income of 3 times the rent, basically all stipulations listed in Brandon & Heather's management book.We had a prospective tenant ask to bring her 10 week old German Shepard (it's pet friendly at owner's discretion), she admitted that someone in the household smokes but insists that it won't be an issue, and her income is barely over the rent...even AFTER I went over all our qualifications with her.Am I still supposed to show the house to her?

house was recently painted (poorly) inside and still stinks of smoking.

That said, I have an eviction clause in my contract for violating the no-pet policy or no-smoking policy, and some other stuff.

Nest type thermostats, keyless deadbolts, connected smoke alarms, wireless cameras, bluetooth items, USB ports, etc.