Smart locks and security cameras (outdoor only) add an extra layer of control.

Think of all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

Thank you Eric.In addition to the rental properties, my wife and I have a paid off house, paid off car, and about $1.4m in retirement accounts, brokerages, and savings.We live in a HCOL area and our expenses are $9.5k per month even though we live pretty modestly.I set out initially to have real estate pay for at least some of my expenses in order to give me more freedom and financial security.

My method has always been to call every listing that hit 90 days on market in areas that I want to buy.

A “syndication” is almost always a capital raise for the sale of a security/investment.  

I noticed that the previous owner let them pay half the security deposit and the other half later, which is a red flag.

I personally will not expand into a market without securing a reliable team first.Service Quality Over Price – While 10-15% may seem attractive, be cautious—cheaper often means less attention to detail.

How difficult or easy has it been to get tenants secured in that area?

On another note, I am vigorously researching construction methods for the new house, and also chipping away at some concept drawings for it.