I always change locks after buying a property, I don’t want to wonder that the tenant from 5 years ago’s house cleaner’s 18 y/o meth addict son has a key. 

So, painter ($300, they had poorly repainted the trim around the doors and windows), cleaners $180, carpet cleaners $145, new mini blinds $80, lost rent $950, and a fair bit of time just dealing with everything.

Ensure your default provisions are in compliance with state law, ie 30 days.There can certainly be more issues, but you get the idea, yes, you need an attorney.I'd also suggest you look into a Subject-to transaction using a Special Warranty Deed, it would be cleaner with a note and deed of trust.If there are concerns, a lease and option might fit the situation better.Good luck :)

So, for this example I'd charge them 8.3% of the original cost.Send me a PM if you want some specific recommendations for carpet folks and cleaners.

These guys are slicker than a vacume cleaner salesman.

I can't speak for others, but I would never pay retail pricing...The benefits my contractors get from me:- They get recurring business from me, thus cutting down their marketing costs and reducing down-time- They get referrals to other investors, thus increasing their income, cutting their marketing costs and reducing their down-time- My houses are vacant, so there is less headache with rehab tasks- My scheduling is done such that contractors don't need to put down clothes on floors and don't need to do any major cleaning when they're done (we bring in cleaners at the end)- I pay consistently and immediately and contractors never have to wonder if they'll get paid- I am a great reference for my contractors when they need one for other clients.

You will give up a check of profit but will stay cleaner in the process.Remember we pay for our education one way or another.

The benefit I see to the cash out refi is you simply have all your equity or however much you choose (up to the lenders limit) as cash in the bank, and it seems cleaner from a transactional perspective.  

Does anyone have good referrals for cleaners in the greater Cincinnati area?

It would be cleaner if the current landlord removed them prior to close of escrow.