I was just never cognizant of how they were picked up and did not prepare. 

I've seen it on both sides where the landlord is just nit picking and is going way past reasonable deductions, and tenants that are so far out there that don't realize they are going to be charged when they leave dog poop on the carpet for the landlord to clean up.

Then I would pick the countertop. 

Really trying to pick people's brains and learn. 

I've recently become licensed and now I'm at the fun stage of picking a broker to work for.

The city can't afford any additional police and you will be lucky to have the trash picked up regularly.

A lot of my clients here in the Chicago suburbs use this strategy to pick up there first few properties before they start having to rely on savings for the full 20-25% down payment. 

Investors pay cash upfront for "renovated" properties, at $80k or more in areas that you can pick up a fixer for $10-$15k.

You've now entangled yourself into another potentially sticky situation because you possess some of her things and she could refuse to pick them up and them claim you destroyed her stuff if you dump it.I hope it works out for you.

Pick a niche or two to focus on and start establishing relationships with those that deal with those asset types.