One nice gimme back at the end of each year is that you can legally gift $15000 a year to whomever you wish.So even if you really didn't want to collect rent there is a way to do it so you act legally and take care of her.

Websites like Bigger Pockets make it look easy because of selection bias.

I don't care how well you rehab the house and if U pull all permits if your tenant base is abusing and transient your goose is cooked before you ever started.. 

You could also try target marketing, where you run ads in selected publications or locations to go for a specific market (like retired people, military, etc).  

Here's a recommendation for you:If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

You will need at least three decent/affordable maintenance people, especially since you can't drop by the property yourself to take care of things. 

Here are some recommendations for you:Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

He took good care of the place and he always paid his rent.

Keep in mind, this is 2 full sized duplexes on one lot.Owner evicted previous tenants as they were giving her major hassles, plus she lives out of state and didn't have someone nearby she could trust to take care of business.

Frankly I could care less as long as Im paid .