I have written a blog post that may help you out.

Everything is nicely organized and labeled.

They were never particularly nice, beach cabins on stilts with rattan furniture that usually had water stains from wet suits.  

I have contacted family members in the past with literal hand written letters.

I work with a lot of MTR investors and what I am seeing frequently with multifamily acquisitions, particularly with new investors, is that they often test the property just like you're mentioning, as a way to dip their toes in the water and see what works in their area and for their personal style.

Very, very successful.I sent out beige "invitation" envelopes and "hand written" letters (used a computer with a "hand written font" for months - about 200 a week - lots of calls - bought some properties, over all successful but time consumingThis is over the years, so messages changed with the real estate climate and list.List, message, mailing piece.

A well written management contract should clearly spell out what is expected of both the PMC and the owner, to PROTECT both and avoid misunderstandings.

It may sound nice to pay a 6% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no additional fees.

@Grace Norton adding to what's been written already, you'll want to get a 2-year work history for both.To consistently pay rent, requires consistent income, which requires consistent employment.Pretty simple concept!

Following Up + More details: @carolineOur utilities were also opened using an LLC but since the power had actually been shut off the problem mostly came from ICE sending someone out to turn it back on plus installing a new style meter (which had to be approved by our HOA but that was another matter entirely and not particularly difficult).Opening a bank account with BCR as an individual is easy and you can get an atm card in about 3 days but you will be limited to holding only a thousand dollars in it.