You can imagine how much things can change within 365 years; it seems the trust should be built to evolve with the times and yet have strong safeguards built in. 

Also there are the second-hand smoke issues if you have sensitive neighbors, whether in your property or next door.

Can I safeguard myself in any way (if I proceed by giving the owner cash for first month rent + deposit)?

Am I allowed to link properties on this forum since I feel like bigger pockets is sensitive.

As an update for those interested in STR or Vacation Rentals in the Poconos, our rental alliance in the Poconos has reached a number of early milestones:PoconosVrO has received support and assistance from the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB), our last meeting outlined a one day conference in March of 2024, at the end of the ski season.PoconosVRO has held several educational/professional development sessions and now have two corporate sponsors - thanks NoiseAware and Safeguard Insurance.  

In any case, the WHOLE POINT of my encouraging message has been depleted thanks to the derogatory remarks, and especially the disgusting words that are completely unnecessary from @Jim K. the fact that you even think so lowly is far worse than bringing a $5 sub into a restaurant. wow a little sensitive.. my comments were along the line of your thought process there is way to save money in many things you do.Now Jims Stripper comments well that's his sense of humor :) .  

transunion offers one for free to you. once you've selected your prospective tenant, you submit their basic info (name, email, etc) into the TU site, and it asks what services you'd like: credit, background, etc. it will send them a link to complete the sensitive info like socials and such, and then charge them for the credit/ background check. or if you'd prefer to pay for it, you can select that option as well. ive been using this, pretty great so far!

But these are sector specific.All these industries are now trying to safe guard themselves.

.🛑 Lack of due diligence: Seek multiple opinions and legal reviews to fully understand the investment, your legal protections, and how to safeguard your capital.

California has specific mold laws - I suggest you read up on themCalifornia's "Toxic Mold Protection Act of 2001" authorizes the state's Department of Health Services (now called the Department of Health Care Services) to set permissible levels of indoor mold exposure for sensitive populations (like children, or people with compromised immune systems or respiratory problems).