I've never done that but I'd assume if you have separate charge cards per project, you can simply see statements from them....If you find something else that works great please let me know on this.

@Michael Noto No, I haven't yet because for the most part, everyone willing to live in this neighborhood has crappy credit and I hate to charge people that won't meet my other criteria the fee so I look at everything else first to rule out unacceptable tenants (court records for multiple evictions and violent crimes, bad references, facebook posts showing undisclosed pets etc,etc...)

If the tenant fights the charges, you should consider taking them to court to recover the cost.It's hard to know where to lay the blame without seeing all their communication.

So keep the extra premium in mind for your numbers if you plan to get conventional financing after as they will most likely require flood insurance and that can be pricey.

Is it typical around here to do pet rent? I don’t want to drive people away but I want to cover my costs. I’ve been asking for an extra $300 deposit and $25 a month per dog. I’m starting to wonder if that’s excessive

It may sound nice to pay a 5% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no add-on fees.

Also, do I charge a deposit?

I am not overly-handy (I never owned tools until I bought a duplex) - so far I've done basic electric (installing an outlet, adding a junction box, putting in receptacles, removing breakers, fixing a 3 way switch -- all things an electrician wouldn't touch -- or would charge a couple hundred bucks to do, cost me about 7 dollars - literally), replaced an exterior door, removed rotten siding and put up new siding along with replacing the plywood behind it, re-built the rotten framing of a garage wall, installed a ceiling fan, and just about a thousand other things along the way.

Also, because you *know* there are owed back taxes on it, a semi-decent prosecutor can probably argue conspiracy and have you charged with the same felony as the mom. 

The rent we charge is on the high side for that area but the zip code is diversifying/ growing a lot.