This is not to say you can expect an Agent to catch everything and we are by no means inspectors or contractors, but anyone helping you purchase a rental property should have a basic understanding of rental standards to put out a good product that will attract a good tenant. - Lastly, if you are looking at real estate as a long term buy and hold strategy, you have to look beyond just cash flow.

It is extremely hard for the average person to afford a standard home, car, and investment property without any debt.

This type of foundation is extremely porous and lets in a lot of water.

You can use a standard purchase agreement.

In my state that is standard but I'm sure other states vary.

---So, ask about their standard operating procedures and make sure your management contract has an easy termination clause.What are your options if you experience one of the above?

The water bills are a big cost to me.

SE Michigan (House on Zillow says it's worth $348k it's a 3br, 2 1/2 ba), semi finished basement.My house currently needs a new roof, new water heater.

I would like to know what my options are to make sure tenants in a duplex are actually paying their water bills.

Even simple stuff like locking the door at the end of the day or turn water off at the main shutoff were a challenge.