sounds like you've had bad luck and/or inheriting past bad landlords' problem tenants.this business seems to go in waves...hang in there...you will get back on your feet and things will be quite boring.I have been pretty lucky at to not been stiffed at all...but I don't press my luck...I throw everything into reserves until I hit 6 months PITA then I throw half in there and the other half into my personal savings/emergency account.

However, make sure that you're not 'pressing' just to get a deal done... more good ones WILL come your way.

I have a high pitched tone machine that goes of when I press a remote.

Not for the faint of heart but something to consider when you are pressed for time.If a unit is occupied.

I have a guy from QuickenLoans who is pressing to get my $500 application fee (!)

When I lived in Europe, you would be hard pressed to meet the 1% rule in many cities.

Otherwise, IMHO you're pressing your luck to use your own money.The exception to the above is if you can overhaul your expenses.

Unless they were living under a bridge they had to live SOMEWHERE during the last 5 years.I pressed the guy to provide previous addresses and he didn't even know where he had lived.

What my concerns would be when it gets to a point that it affects your reflex and control...then don't operate a drill press, a table saw or chop saw, or run electrical wires...a small mistake can do big bodily damages.

Thanks Ali, much appreciated - yes taxes and insurance can be steep in this area, especially given the recent press surrounding the changes in flood premiums coming down the line - thanks for the advice!