Require co-signers (like their parents), check references from previous landlords or college housing, verify enrollment status, and personal interviews to gauge responsibility.6.

If you are out of state, who connected you to the contractor and what references did they have?

By "business account," I’m referring to setting up an LLC as well as a business bank account.My goal is to expand my real estate portfolio by acquiring approximately two properties per year.

My intention is not to discourage anyone from investing in the Costa del Sol, especially considering that I never specifically referred to this region.

It just shows up on your schedule e like a regular property.Other benefits are: limited liability/asset protection, reasonable minimum investment ($100k usually).Note that these do have risks just like any real estate and they are only available to accredited investors.

It’s a good gesture assuming it is part of what gets regularly checked and restocked if needed. 

@Spencer DixonRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Flying in monthly helps, but having a local contact (realtor, manager, or trusted partner) is key for regular updates.Use tools like progress photos, video calls, or project management apps to stay connected, and schedule visits at critical stages of the project.

You are referring to this article?

They become advocates, eager to refer others to join our network.