My CPA takes care of the 1098s.  

I would also be careful talking to property managers - they may have no problem telling about "other" buildings, but change of ownership in their own building is a threat to their livelihood.

-- We focus on verifying 2-year work history and verifying rent payments with last 2 landlords (unless in same property for 5+ years).3) MoveIn Specials: be careful with offering "free rent" as will just attract tenants with no cash.-- Try free TV or something else worth 25-50% of one month of rent.-- Or, what we do is offer the free rent AFTER & ONLY if they pay their first 3 months of rent on time to earn it.4) Lower the rent 5% every 2-4 weeks until activity picks up.5) Understand this is the worst time of year to find tenants.-- Starts picking back up end of February when this tenant pool starts getting their income tax refunds and aren't broke anymore.6) Section 8: where is the property being advertised?

Now, if you listen carefully you will find that he too found some of the same things that others mentioned...no deals in Austin, prices were too high...but then he adjusted his approach and nailed it!

this means that these owners are under much less pressure to sell, and so they don't really care that their price won't let the property be a good rental. 

I would just be careful hopping back in now as interest rates and low inventory are making it very difficult if you aren't finding your own off-market options to buy.

Of course another reason is to make sure my family is taken care of.

• Should utilities, internet, or services like snow removal/lawn care be included, or not?

They can get a better deal for there better care etc etc..

If something breaks they are going to get it fixed - but you want to be careful about who they call.