So for example I'm very conservative and don't want any debt on them because I feel this hardens them in case of a severe recession.

I'm a local Realtor and appraiser and am looking to buy and hold.Thx,Kevin Harden

@Alexandria Harden too little information. some are interest only and some are amortized and  over how many years. 

Fortunately the concrete didnt harden below grade and was mostly flushed out but thats pretty horrible. 

Paint needs to cure before it hardens completely.  

Simply put, they've done it before, not once or twice but a whole lot, have answers at hand, there a battle hardened Sgt. not some clueless Pfc BS'ing there way through.   

What are the top three things you would suggest to "harden" the rental property against damage?

Harden great IRS resource, but reading through that reminded me why I've been contemplating seeking professional advice.

Yes, that seems to be the general consensus for renting to grad students.Pros for renting to undergrad students: increase your tenant base | minimize vacancy rate Cons for renting to undergrad students: Potential more work/headache | Higher expenses | higher wear and tearPotential mitigation to overcome the cons: "Harden" the units before renting them out (which i think in general would be a good idea depending on who your tenant base is) | Plan for added expenses | Solid lease terms | Possibly have parents co-sign | Have 1-1 discussion with the student/s before renting them out so they have a good understanding on the expectation's/"rules": I think in majority of the cases it will be the first time for the undergrad students to be living on their own so educating them on the guidelines should help

But I also harden them for that.