I only use debit cards to obtain the necessary “swipes” to qualify for a couple of high yield checking accounts.  

My lowest rate will be lower than the competitors but offering the same services or better (glorified rent collection).

One of the best inspirations on business cards I got was from the movie "American Psycho" when Christian Bale is comparing his cards against his friends/competitors.

These other sellers are your competitors.

Most competitors will accept the Lowe's coupon.

I always use the same cashier at the Pro Desk and haven't had any subsequent issues.Lowes has never given me an issue with accepting competitor coupons.

And contrary to popular belief that 100% is always the goal, this is not true. 100% occupancy is actually a bad thing because it means that our rates are too low, our marketing budget is being wasted because we have to send any leads to our competitors and, most importantly, it is a trigger for other investors to move in to your market.

Direct marketing allows you to find deals that are NOT available to all your other competitors.

For example, while the HVAC system may have a couple more years left on it, if a buyer is trying to decide between your house and a competitor, and the major difference is that the competitor's house has no deferred maintenance and yours does, he'll likely go with your competitor's house.On the other hand, if your hand is much nicer than any competing house in the neighborhood at the same price (and is also priced well), you may not have to fixed stuff like the HVAC system to get a sale.In other words, without having big picture about what you're trying to do with the house and what the competition looks like, it's impossible to recommend whether you should replace old (but working) components of the property.

:NOTE: Important to keep the date of when these items were receivedFINANCIALS (get from Property Management Company or the Seller):Annual Operating Statements (for past 2 years)Monthly Operating StatementsYear to Date Operating StatementRent Roll for the last 2 yearsLast 3 month's Bank Deposits by the sellerBudget ForecastExisting Loan Documents ** ask if will take AssumptionSecurity Deposit Account StatementUtility DepositsRequest Schedule E if questionable financials, certified by accountant.OPERATING INFORMATION **** Must sort by importance:Management ContractCopy of all Lease Types (all leases delivered at closing)Concessionary RentsLease Expiration ReportUtility Bills (for Water, Sewer, Gas, Electric, CATV, Ethernet, Phone) - for past 2 yearsProperty Tax Bills - for past 2 yearsService Contracts (all currently under contract: trash, exterminating pests, maintenance, laundry, pool, elevator)Advertising ContractsPayroll Register (employment contracts)Operating Manuals (phone, computer, fire system, etc.)Insurance: Policy (premium disclosure)Insurance: Claim History (for past 3 years)Insurance: Carrier Risk AssessmentMiscellaneous Agreement (Vending, Pay Phone, etc)Capital Improvements and Maintenance History (for past 3 years)Incomplete Maintenance Requests (for last 3 month's maintenance requests)Yellow Pages Listing ContractCredit Bureau ContractPet PolicyCommission AgreementsRent.com reviewLEGAL AND PHYSICAL INFORMATION:THIRD PARTY INFORMATIONAppraisalDeedTitle PolicyLast Sale Price/DateTax Assessment: Land/BuildingSurvey (Get the original)Architectural PlanSite PlanInventory of Personal PropertyTools/Supplies InventoryBusiness LicenseZoning CertificationBuilding Code Compliance Letter ** Tell bad news fast to your investors; don't hold off on thisCertificate of Occupancy ** Tell bad news fast to your investors; don't hold off on thisRental Ordinances ** Tell bad news fast to your investors; don't hold off on thisLitigation History ** Tell bad news fast to your investors; don't hold off on thisTenant Estoppels (Optional at Closing) ** Tell bad news fast to your investors; don't hold off on thisBuilding PermitsMARKET INFORMATIONMarket Survey (3 - 5 nearest competitors)Existing Competitive Supply SurveysEnvironment Surveys - Phase I/Phase II, if necessaryEngineering ReportFire System Inspection ReportsElevator Maintenance Report (if applicable)Boiler Inspection ReportHVAC Inspection ReportLead Paint - Inspection reports / tenant waivers / historyMold - Inspection reports / tenant waivers / historyFuture Competitive Supply ForecastPictures - Aerial / GroundArea MapApartment AssociationApartment Guide ListingCopies fo All ADvertising, Brochures, Floor PlansDemographic Reports: Housing, Income, Employment (3 radii - 1 mile, 3 miles, 5 miles distance)Traffic Study and/or Road Improvement PlansNeighborhood Survey: Shopping, Schools, EmployersCrime Report