If there are clear signs that the tenent has left such as turned-off utilities, furniture has been removed, etc., then have the locksmith rekey the locks.5.

When it was listed as REO, the new hardwood floors had been torn out, as well as the new kitchen cabinets and counters.The other was a house two doors away from one of my rentals, so I asked my tenant post-sheriff sale to let me know when furniture is getting moved out and lots of trash starts to get moved to curb - indications that the occupants are leaving.

I'd ideally like to get the job done before I move in so I'm not lugging my furniture out again and staying in a hotel for 3 nights.

Sold all the furniture for a 50% return. 

One couple loved house but master bedroom wouldn't fit their furniture.

The part that really bothered me the most was the high end furniture and the plasma tv on the wall, and all the high end stereo equipment.

It's been 5 days and I went to check on the unit and found that all their furniture is gone, however there are many boxes of "stuff" left in the house and garage. 

. - Having to front all of the upgrades at time of purchase, including furniture, is expensive (spending a lot of money on stuff that wouldn't be necessary for a long term rental).1.

I've licked the back of lots of envelops for Direct Mailer's, moved staging furniture, etc whatever the full time investor's needed help with, and it'll pay off eventually. 

If you're not living in the property, sooner or later you'll have party guests come in and damage the furniture, the property itself, or both.