A thermostat is an on off switch , simple solution , add a second one somewhere in the unit ( make it look like a smoke detector) Set it to override the first thermostat ...In my second house I had roommates , I had 2 thermostats , 1 in my bedroom that controlled the HVAC , another in the living room that wasn't hooked to anything just for the roommates to adjust .

Reach out to me directly if you want the contact.

.- If you try to hire contractor directly, you have about a 90%+ chance of getting taken advantage of.

One of the larger ex-pat directed real estate investment communities here in Japan targets all-cash buyers. 

But for many people, it is one of a number of sources of deal flow, to add to MLS listings, wholesalers, direct owner outreach, auction, etc.Assuming you are specifically talking about sheriff auctions, just make sure you familiarize yourself with the general procedures for the auction.  

Hey @Joel Oh, so let's clarify the NYC rules around STRs.STRs are legal in NYC as long as these directions are followed."

We also work with investors in the different markets we operate in to perform tenant placement where we work with ALE Solutions, other relocation companies, medical agencies, etc. to offer properties as a part of our inventory.

Your property manager should be supplying monthly reports and year end PnL reports that you give directly to your CPA. 

It has the bonus feature that you can see private offerings and message the sellers directly.

I have seen studies that show that when the utilities are paid by the tenants themselves directly, that the costs are reduced by 20%.