Squatters break into vacant homes, can present fake leases, and are a valid problem, but if you have cameras on the house, you will be able to get them out right away and you will see them going in.

With this route you can purchase a turn key property and expect to lease the property immediately or purchase an existing rental from an investor that doesn't require rehab and has strong numbers. 

That said, I do this with a a few investors on rentals since I'm a Realtor and Property Manager where I am boots on the ground for purchase, rehab and lease-up, however we had a strong professional experience/life together before partnering.Lending will also be a consideration as most lenders are hesitant to lend to non-citizens given the foreclosure challenges it can pose.

This includes preparing the property for renters, pricing it right, marketing, application screening, collecting rent, dealing with unpaid rent and other lease violations, security deposit disposition, inspections, and so much more.

Hey @Guan Hong Guo - yes combined income *assuming* all adults are on the lease (as they should be if they're residing in your property).

Live in one side and renovate that side, then after the lease for the other unit is up move into that one and renovate it.

Or just require a full year lease to students?

Are the units bought or leased?

Leases are signed electronically (esign.com), and I set them up with RentRedi for deposit, cleaning fee, and rent payments.

We actually get a ton of inquiries for our rentals from people living there because they'd had enough after four months of their twelve month lease.