I'm struggling with the guilty feeling of focusing too much attention on work.

(which reminds me that a voicemail today informed me my roofing metal is ready to pick up) So yes, we're guilty of working "in" the business instead of "on" the business but we do all that too as we self manage, do our own taxes and whatnot.

@Ben SmithProper Background checksLarger deposit than 1 month rentStart evictions quickly when they are late to train them not to pay you lastI have them deposit rent in my bank account - minimizes excuses for late rentTrain them to text you not call you to keep from getting caught up in their dramaHave a good support crew (Handyman, HVAC person etc) that you can text to go handle repairsIf they can't pay full move in money - don't rent to themThe ones that plead with you to rent to them you should run fromThese are best practices just off the top of my head.

I am certainly guilty of falling into the status quo by going to school, getting a job, setting up my 401(k) and dreaming of something greater.

Because while doing my research I often see the phrase " on or before the "certain date"or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

Having said all this however, I still feel guilty because I'm aware it can be a great deal of work without guaranteed immediate return. 

If you start having personal conversations with your tenants, they may open up about their financials leaving you feeling even more guilty about raising the rent.

I admit that I have been guilty of this myself, when a dangerous and mentally ill tenant who was making our lives miserable got Section 8 and needed to move out. 

A majority of contractors are guilty of this and get into the weeds if they don't know how to deal with cash flow problems.

Tim,I'm not sure where you got the impression that property management was an unlicensed activity...to be a property manager you have to have a minimum of a florida real estate sales license, or you are guilty of practicing real estate without a license, and subject to the penalties as such.