All good suggestions--if you find this becomes a bigger issue, one thing we have done in the past is offer back the security deposit in full to get people out. 

Any tips on how to identify markets for long term rental income?

If you can secure insurance that doesn't kill the deal, and you find a good deal, then I would assume all works. 

So, your portfolio will actually be sucking cash out of your life, if you buy a traditional long-term rental using a HELOC as your down payment, for many years. 

Good luck with your investments

Otherwise, you won't have the extra funds necessary to cover the rising costs of goods and services in the future.What causes rents (and prices) to increase?

So someone who is looking purely to maximize potential return (and has unlimited time) is unlikely to find this a good fit.

That's a good but tough question to answer.

I would go with someone you know or a good friend of a friend. 

I’ve heard good things about some of the newer online options, but make sure they can handle the complexity of a growing real estate business.I had a friend in Scottsdale who ran into an issue with her lenders when she tried to close on her second property.