You'll make a much healthier return on your investment that way.If you simply want to buy a home and rent it out longterm, Elk Grove and Roseville are both considered more high-end suburbs and have appreciated significantly over the last decade.

@Drew SygitOh, I forgot to ask - any free tool recommendations for determining the various classes of neighborhoods in different regions?

Understanding your market, what you are offering, and the kind of tenant you can expect to attract and KEEP will help you determine how to screen.

Who noted that we simply have a porous basement wall, like every other basement wall from that time period.

The property manager may have some interest in your success (if you get a good one) simply because they are making the most consistently - 1st months rent plus 10%/month.

If you do decide to help them out and rent continues to be late simply have a talk wiht them and remind them that rent helps pay your bills and since you did them a solid ask for the same in return.  

You cannot have a contract that simply states "install high-quality countertops" without specifying the quantity, location, type, or style.

Buyer's agents now have to ask the listing agent what the seller is offering now instead of simply looking at the MLS.

Others have simply created a new listing and had the seller notify guests about the change.

Correct - Track all your income and expenses.The bookkeeping will determine whether you are profitable or not.it will also be good to compare from year to year your income / expenses to see what expenses you can potentially try to limit.I.E.