If I don’t hear from you in the next 10 minutes, I will assume you aren’t attending and I will move on to my next appointment.Using this system as dramatically reduced any wasted time I used to endure as part of the showing process as well as giving me data about their timeliness/responsiveness/respect for others' time.At the showing, I collect their completed application (sent via PDF prior or filled out on premises), scan their photo ID and last 2 pay stubs.Then, I do some digging around online (social media, court records, Google) and if it looks like they are representing themselves to me accurately, I contact them to set up a "contract to hold" meeting - usually the day after the showing since qualified applicants need to be "closed" ASAP.

In your situation, it would be good to get an idea of rent vs pet fees, because if a tenant gets rid of their dogs, their rent would be reduced during the current lease.

She had two questions, which I don't know the answers to, so I'm asking y'all, and whoever knows about this topic, please speak up :)1) If she sells her rental the traditional way, and gets all her money out at once as a lump sum, can she put that money towards paying down the mortgage on her primary residence to reduce the capital gains taxes?

I know that the landlord can be considered liable for falls/ slips if/when it was deemed they were negligent in addressing an issue that caused the fall/ trip (ex. knowing of a leaking pipe which caused floor to be wet) However, in this instance where it was due to actions of the tenant, would you initiate interventions to reduce the risk of future falls? 

Preferably a beach community from San Diego up to Santa Monica, Orange County most preferred I think just because I could at least drive by it when the anxiety demands it.

However, as with most aspects of life, fear and uncertainty can almost always  be reduced or eliminated through education and familiarity.

and/or reduce expenses (can you bill back the utilities to the tenants?)

I recommend a home inspector so you can get a 4-Point Inspection and possibly a Wind Mit Certificate - which determine whether the house is insurable and if so, can reduce the cost of insurance.  

Example:Duplex purchased for $100,00020% down payment would be $20,000Seller agrees to provide a seller credit of $10,000Your loan amount becomes $110,000 while you down payment reduces to $10,000A conventional loan only allows you to do 2% (maybe 3%) seller credit of the agreed upon price; whereas a commercial loan does not have that restriction.

I offered to purchase a portable unit for her to use and reduce rent to help pay for the cost of electricity for the summer months (~$50 a month), which she initially agreed to.