Makes a good excuse to look at the property frequently enough to have a good idea about what is going on there, how well it is kept, and minor maintenance issues that the tenant might miss or not mention.

There is always the potential excuse that they couldn't pay on time since they couldn't connect with you.

This may actually be a good excuse to have them transition to my new lease so everyone is on the same page.I am leaning towards option 3. 

I no longer do that they will always have excuses as to why they don't have their part.

*excuse any typos - this was posted from my mobile while on the treadmill!

(Keep in mind the investor that made them that offer is a rehabber like me)A lot of times people will make up the fact that they have a higher offer just to get you to raise your price, but I know for a fact in my market a lot of investors are making offers that will simply price out any of the competition, and then when it comes to closing time they will drastically reduce the price down to a more realistic price.They will come up with an excuse such as "I don't have the money anymore" or "The house had unexpected repairs I didn't notice", etc...

Rent is due first or before the first of the month or they get hit with a late penalty.In today's day and age of electronic payments there's no excuses to not paying on time.  

Excuse - I had to help my girlfriend with her rent.  

Plus I live in Atlanta and this gives me an excuse to get out of the city.  

I take pride in how it looks when done. and it really stands out.I also use that as an excuse to keep a weekly eye on the property It seems people are less likely to try to get away with stuff when they know they have an interested party watching things.