And then the rest are all seniors who wouldn’t ever even consider paying online and their checks are always on time every month because most have rented their whole lives and know the routine.

Cities are routinely requiring inspections of all sewer lines as part of the sale of all houses. 

So my plan is that I will do routine check up on the house every few months and we'll see.

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).

Have discipline and create a routine.

This website is full of users who don't understand that.I routinely recommend two of the three books JD has recommended, Your Money or Your Life and Set for Life. 

Put a notice on door stating you are entering to check status of unit (or do routine maintenance).

Tell them you are the landlord not the housekeeper and routine housekeeping is their responsibility. 

Lesson learned and now I am more assertive about changing out the filters routinely.

@Scott GallowayOpex- operating expensesCapex- capital expenditures Wrt avoiding 20% down statement:You’ll find a LOT of talk of people routinely turning primary residence into a rental.