Maybe use the Trulia tracker as a sort of pre-screen before we get police statistics?

He even stated he enjoys doing it. ( I should have known that feeling would not last)I stated that he should be compensated since I would have payed the landscaper anyway.Nothing further was said.now 5 months later he is requesting that he be paid for these past months.I have three issues with this 1) no discussion about frequency, quality expected, or compensation was really ever discussed. 2) I only have his word that he performed yard duties twice a month.

My current property managers all send me listings that current landlords are selling.5) When looking for maintaining the property, only look at highly rated/accredited GCs or Property Managers.I have found that the GC or PMs that come with higher ratings, come with a higher price tag, but you get the quality you want.

It also allows him to get his refinance ready to take you out as part of the refinance so he isn't coming out of pocket for that.For him you are keeping some skin in the game when you initially rent it so that he knows you are placing a quality tenant(even though you would anyway that's what I would tell him).

Sadly, money is the motivator for many people.This does not mean you must overpay to get timely and quality service.

Beyond the obvious quality of construction and code compliance issues, how do I ensure the tenant doesn't rip out his whirlpool tub when he vacates and leaves me a mess of wires and plumbing?

I guess I'm not that well networked so have never had to accept more than one at a time ... so being sent back to the news screen has not become annoying ;)

Unless you're going to go with a hard surface of some kind, any carpet will show wear and tear unless you are ready to either spend some $$ on a great, quality carpet (a Triexta fiber carpet for instance) that has superior stain resistance qualities (not stain proof), or go with the nasty, cheap sculpted carpet that you see in low end rentals all day long.

House – 5 year old Coloinal, 4 bdrm, 2 ½ bth, 3200 sq ft. 2 car garage, nice yard, with large backyard, with screen porch that can be made into a sun room.

They're certainly not the norm here, but a nicer unit brings a better quality of renter, and higher rents.