You don't want to bring over poor operations to STR because you will also fail there.

Here are a few I recommend: "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Roberto Kiyosaki; "Set for Life" by Scott Trench; "The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing" by Spencer; "The BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide" found here on BP; "The Book on Rental Property Investing" by Brandon Tuner.

Here are a few I recommend: "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Roberto Kiyosaki; "Set for Life" by Scott Trench; "The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing" by Spencer; "The BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide" found here on BP; "The Book on Rental Property Investing" by Brandon Tuner.

It wasn't the messiest thing I've seen, but still required clean up on my end which the clients weren't happy about at all.The third client is a self employed hair dresser and she compained of poor communication, inability to understand what they wanted form her and complete confusion over their payroll directions.For the price paid, I'd say the results were mediocre at best.

I have redone the foundation, all new electric, all new plumbing (PVC to the street), all new kitchen, added a bath, new flooring, all new windows/doors, updated all insulated while walls were open for electrical, new furnace/AC, new siding.

Relative to the past 15 years, it is a poor time to buy residential buy and hold.  

An official background check and personal referrals can help you identify red flags unrelated to finances, such as poor tenant behavior or previous criminal activity.

Quote from @Jonathan Greene: Quote from @Jay Hinrichs: Eh  what about the gentlemen from Evergreen Colorado who just hammers on poor Pace Morby calling him all sorts of things.. etc.. for me I am surprised Pace has not sued him.

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

And the market conditions are unwelcoming (physically distressed inventory, difficulties with Ogden City, and poor tenant pool).