Figure out ways to enforce rules to protect yourself and the other renters.

In Milwaukee the weather can get pretty cold and we want to protect the tenant, but also the pipes in the property from freezing.For that reason we do have a stockpile of emergency equipment which includes electric space heaters.

An LLC is useful for two things: anonymity and legal protection.

Can I protect my equity 2.

There's a lot more compliance, regulations, and other protections that many brokers do not feel comfortable hiring just anyone. 

Given when a return is audited some of these DIY firms note that (if audit protection is purchased) they will do a full engineered study to support the figures used within the audit.  

@Tar-U-Way Bright Using your LLC for real estate ventures offers legal protection and tax benefits.

I agree with the others when they say to hire a PM; a property manager will have access to better screening and fraud detection - and hopefully can add some protections in the legal arena too.

Also, take as many pictures as possible before the tenant moves in, again this protects you in case of damage caused by tenant. 

This just protects our investment until probate is finished.Get creative with your offers you never know what will interest a seller.Have a conversation and find out their needs if you can before making offers.