Create a "fireplace house rules" addendum and have tenant sign it.

They can introduce you to all the local players you will need like property managers and lenders.Over time, increase your own personal knowledge and development with books, podcasts, and conferences on the topic.But finding a commercial real estate broker with a teacher's heart will go a long way to getting you started.To your success!

You have to sign an agreement that you will come up with the cash if the property appraises up to 10k below the purchase price. 

I have some money saved up and am convinced that my only option is out-of-state rental properties.I just signed up for PRO. 

I didn't sign up for the advance courses.

(Let's put up beware of dogs signs and have a pack of dobermans patrolling the grounds.)  

We have not disabled ours or converted to gas, but Tenant must sign a Fireplace Addendum stating if they use it, we require a higher renter's liability policy with us as additional insured, rules on wood, storage, use, safety, they pay for yearly professional cleaning each year they are there, etc.  

The investors signed up for this with full disclosure and knowledge that a negative outcome may happen.  

And that is always a tell tale sign to me. 

I you take out a loan your name, an actual person must sign it.