I would occasionally receive bills for the exact amount of the prior month (ie, 44.32 for June and 44.32 for July).

Most people would rather due the pet rent but you get the other occasionally too! 

@Rochelle Wilkinson, you truly do inspire me.As a newbie, I love to read stories such as these.It can be a scary thing going into this as a newbie just hoping to get decent tenants.For the most part I do have decent tenants, but those in one unit occasionally try to push my buttons, which I have done well to stand firm, but I cannot tell you how many times I almost feel like throwing in the towel because of these 2.I purchased the property and took over their lease, so they have been on property for a lot longer than I have owned it and try to push their weight around, not to mention I am a young investor so I think that sometimes makes them think they can push me around.Hanging in there though and thanks to people like you and all other BP members I can go about this not feeling so alone or like a fish out of water.Mistakes Landlords make (This may have already been mentioned, but these 2 I would say have been top on my list as I have not had issues with the screening or tenants paying):Skipping the routine inspections.I currently undertake 4 inspections during the lease term (move-in inspection; 2 in the course of the lease term and a move-out inspection).Some may deem this over-kill but for me, it ensures that I catch and address any issues sooner rather than later.Treating tenants like your buddies.You must be able to separate business from personal and know when to draw the line else tenants will walk all over you.

Actually forgot about it for sometime, but recent conversations, occasional HGTV shows on Netflix with the family, relationships with real estate folks in my church, as well as new connections with folks in my area has really gotten my interest peaked to the point of planning and action.

I do this for a living and I have issue occasionally but am set up to handle you will get harpooned in a deal that does not work.There are way to many lending OPs on the west coast that will make this return much safer etc.you should ping Charlie and see what he offers  start there learn the trade .

I enjoy the occasional gamble but at my current experience level and net worth I'll reserve that for the dime slots so to speak.Rick Pozos Agreed completely.

You'll see that many people from the mid-West and all over own and self-manage, especially is you personally like visiting the area occasionally for "supervision".

Both CH and DW should be crossed off your list without hesitation but if you absolutely had no other option I guess I'd say Deanwood, if you've got a kid make sure he/she's a black belt b4 letting them frolic at the Rec Center, unless you're cool with them coming home shoeless/coatless etc.If you like hearing rapid gunfire, smelling weed 24/7, stolen cars flying up and down the block 24/7 and a complete feeling of lawlessness then move on in (oh the occasional naked people on PCP running around make for an interesting sight too).

I occasionally hear these investors talk in the restaurant in Charleston from time to time but seems like they are old timers who were in the game for a long while.

Blank you can consult with him occasionally on an hourly basis as needed.