I also account for routine maintenance that will be needed and unit turnovers. 

This strategy is kind of like investing with guardrails so you can understand the home purchase process as well as the costs of renovation, hiring contractors, and buying something you can afford.I routinely facilitate loans for 0% down buyers in primary residences (VA and USDA).

One thing you can do is ask about their work routine - essentially try and confirm they won't leave the dog unattended for extended periods unless they have a dog walker.

HOWEVER, based on my experience buying properties, Many Ohio landlords routinely violate this provision and take more than one month for a deposit without paying interest-- tenant's rarely know the rules either.

It’s pretty simple math when you know the routine and the more important thing is knowing how close those estimates of anything are to reality on the street.

If you're going the umbrella insurance route, make sure it will cover you for several things including just the routine slip and fall (like mold or earthquake).

@Mindy Jensen I think one of the worst, was when a tenant moved out, we went to do move out and turn the home, found a dead dog in a cardboard box in the garage.During a routine inspection, on a tenant with no pets; a room full of spiders and snakes.

We have a list of housekeeping requirements and have been conducting regular routine maintenance and safety inspections, but never spelled out exactly how the issues would be addressed.

@Michael AI did not factor in property management, leasing costs, cap-ex, and routine maintenance into my calculations (big mistake!)

If you have a busy 9-5 routine but have the money to get started and don't have enough time, turnkey companies provide some of the best resources to scale your portfolio.