We have not disabled ours or converted to gas, but Tenant must sign a Fireplace Addendum stating if they use it, we require a higher renter's liability policy with us as additional insured, rules on wood, storage, use, safety, they pay for yearly professional cleaning each year they are there, etc.  

TDAs offer peace of mind and a safety net, while real estate provides growth potential, tax advantages, and wealth-building opportunities.

It seems like location would be especially critical with pad-split (and similar systems), but I’d love to hear your thoughts on what to watch out for in terms of zoning, safety, or demand.Also, I’ve traditionally rented out units the regular way, so I’m curious how screening tenants works for you with the pad-split (and similar) model.

This is really what it should be as unsafe units should have to address the safety issues before they can be rented.  

We are fair housing compliant regarding animals.Our tenants’ safety and the peaceful enjoyment of their home is important to us, so we do a credit/criminal background check on all applicants aged 18+, as well as employment and prior landlord verifications.

This is all a safety net for landlords to not have any liability from a tenant if they are providing false information.

My only concern with renting it out room by room in Philadelphia is my safety as my roommates could be psychopaths.

It is a safety issue. 

Than learn with that safety net until your ready to take things back over to self-manage again. 

Don't need a ton of pictures but I want to get a decent idea of the location and condition.So basically you dont want your customer to know it look dumpy until they show up.....I can understand the safety from people looking for vacant houses.... then anyone selling a house better take all of their outside pictures off their listing