After a long 4 to 5 month escrow we finally got the keys and started tearing things apart.  

I just mailed him the key Monday, and within 3 hours of informing him, he tells that he has declared bankruptcy but would still like to rent the place and intends to pay. 

I am currently working on networking in my area and found a local meetup on the July 16th that I plan to attend.From all the strategies that I learned about so far I plan on starting with a multi-family unit that I can BRRRR so I can spring board into my next deal.

Yes, getting a proven, vetted, competent and capable property manager is key.

Looking for a great insurance broker who is experienced in handling house-hack situations.We may short-term-rent our primary-residence unit within SF regulations (up to 90 days a year), which we will also want to account for with insurance (been looking through posts here about some insurance companies cancelling people's homeowner's policies when they hear about STR setups so want to make sure we're above board and with a supportive insurance company).  

Me and my friends moved out on june 6 and submitted the keys that night in the dropbox of the leasing office.

My last tenants brought in German cockroaches.I advised her to use harris cockroach tablets and roach motels.I advised her to set off bug bombs.I left4 in linen closet.she left keys Sept 10 and packed up a airstream trailer.She said she might have to rent a truck and return as garage was half full w cardboard a big bags garbage.3 cans of recycles and garbage.A compresser grease rags.Tenants broke up husband left for Vegas in beginning of Aug.He called me Aug 30 and verbally gave 30 day notice and by text.Previous tenants lease expired oct1 2018.House was not left clean as I had 3 girls cleaning before aswell as myself.I have a cleaning service.HOUSE WAS PRISTINE WINDOWS AND SCREENS CLEAN.Refrigerator was full aswell as pantry.empty bottles and jar of grease as well as a pot of slimy water left under sink.while female tenant was recovering from surgery in Palm springs ca.I had to go water 3 stainless steel troughs w bamboo as heat was causing bamboo to die.Female tenant had a infection from surgery.

I've found the key to rentals is tenant selection -get it wrong and you're in for a world of hurt.

The key is to find a niche, like near that gun range, and to provide a "wow factor", like an in ground pool, game room, near a park, a natural preserve, etc.

I starting in REI in February 2018 when I turned my previous primary residence into a rental and became a landlord and soon after bought a turn key rental in Bossier City, Louisiana.