I shouldn't be having to deal with this in the first place - I've paid, owner didn't pay mortgage.

Replaced that as well, so hopefully now after redoing all plumbing we won't be having the dreaded 2am water leak call.Chris C.

I would look for: Tenant must earn 3x what the monthly rent will beHave good references from employers/previous landlordsNo evictions, clean background check, no broken leases or judgementsThey give employer/job information, proof of a paycheckUse your gut in terms of their appearance, attitude, how clean their vehicle looks, punctuality, how they are dressed

Another question would be have you had a chance to pull the actual taxes on each property.

I'll certainly be having a more detailed look at them. 

But before signing it, meet applicant in person and see how they behave with you. 

Make money or lose money, you'll learn a lot.I predict that if you do not, you will be having this conversation in 2018 and beyond.Action produces more than meditation every time.

Your best bet here is to study the laws and behave legally.  

Basically, if she had not chosen to take her cash out, we wouldn't be having to pay this.Anyone know how a more formal agreement would have been structured?

We had another Orange County Meetup last night, here in Lake Forest, and will be having another at the end of August so be watching for that.