There are only 2 ways, as I see it in the current market, to get actual income/cash flow from a rental property - a paid off long term/mid term property or a well bought short term or rent by the room rental.

My name is Adam King, and I am an avid real estate investor and life long San Diegan!

If you were renting to an only a couple as a long term tenant and they beat each other up (domestic violence) your liability is minimal.  

Quote from @Kim Scheid: @Travis Biziorek and @Sean O'Keefe, we are looking to start with our first out of state rental and would love to know more about self management.

From there you can start to identify what you are looking for.Where do you land on the follow spectrums:Cash flow and AppreciationLong term or Short term needs (waiting for growth vs get out of my W2 now)Long term rentals, Mid term rentals, Short term rentalsBuying close to home or coast to coastSelf manage or hire a PMIf you can narrow in on those, you essentially have your buy box. 

Quote from @Marc Zak: In the market where I live (San Diego), appreciation has been strong and many predict it will continue to appreciate in the long term.However, with current interest rates (6% at best) and property tax (2%), the annual cost burden is 8%.Am I correct in saying that appreciation has to be above 8% annually (plus whatever my maintenance and vacancy costs are) for me to make any money in this scenario if the property is cash flow neutral?

Hey @Jerry Nogueras - I was in your shoes too, born in NYC, and lived between there and Long Island. 

I assume you know at this point but in general, the goal is the screen for a very good tenant and keep them there as long as possible.

You can tell the tenant that they can ignore the notice as long as they follow through on paying.As the landlord you want to maintain control of the situation - not allow the tenant to do so.

Quote from @Jim Crockett: Had a power couple go over to their ship despite my warning, they are young, we are not.