My recommendation is to choose cities in safe and economically diversified areas with above-average income and population growth.

Sure, you can download lease agreements online, and some of them are even drafted by an attorney.

It is landlords responsibility to make sure the house is safe and habitable, which includes making sure all safety features are operating correctly.

Most of the multi-family units in Jacksonville that I think are in an area that I would feel safe are in riverside/5 points or San Marco.The issue, I think, with Jacksonville is that the supple of Multi-family units is low which makes the pricepoint of them higher.

Hopefully, this first investment will launch our journey in real estate.Here are some criteria we have in mind:Not in downtown SacramentoClass C+ or B location, since we will be living in one unit (we just want a safe location)Units with shared walls, not ceilingsSeparately meteredFairly renovated or well-maintained (not a fixer-upper, but if one unit is renovated and the others need some work, we would love the experience of fixing and renovating)Can you think of any other factors we should consider?

I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.

I usually ask for some form the rent roll/rent ledger showing payment history and some form of proof of payment (I'm a bit paranoid) for the last two months (deposit receipts, bank statements, online receipts for payments made online rent portals, etc.) 

Waives any other statutory or legal obligation of the landlord to deliver the unit in a fit or habitable condition or maintain the unit during the tenancy.A landlord has a responsibility to provide the tenant with an rental unit that is liveable and safe.

I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.

It means getting ready for renters, changing insurance, posting ads online, checking out who might rent, using a rent form, being clear on who fixes what, and talking well.