Know and abide by landlord tenant law, fair housing law, non-discrimination law, and local laws for your jurisdiction.Many first time renters turn out to be terrific tenants, so don't let that deter you.

We create the LLC's in states that have non-piercing laws so that its more difficult to get to our personal assets. 

Know your state landlord - tenant laws. 

Set strict qualifications and do not deviate from it just to get a tenant in there.

Chad,I strongly suggest you review the By-Laws of the Association to determine what parts of the Building you will own. 

We live in a home with a detached mother-in-law rental.

Check local law and review the HOA organizational docs as to whether those dues are a lien regardless of whether a "lien" per se is filed among the land records. 

CA enacted the Accessory Dwelling Unit law that says any SFR can have a 1200sq/ft building as an ADU, and I called the Assesors office and he said I could most likely get one of the buildings coded as an ADU BUT that may require ripping out the 2nd kitchen in the 'main house', which is a deal breaker.

I'm hesitant to subscribe until I can get some recommendations.What would you recommend for new Agents to read/subscribe to keep abreast of current news, changes in laws, new strategies (such as using Instagram), new technologies, etc?

Each lease should reflect local state laws, and even county laws.