Quote from @Craig Poindexter: I have been Cited and Fined by the Cleveland Municipal Housing Court. 

Very familiar with the Richmond market.

Frankly, James, I don't remember posting that.  

Also, it goes without saying that if you make a procedural error (very likely as the process is designed to trip up the unsophisticated landlord, and all tenants have the right to a pro bono attorney), then you have to start the process again from scratch. 

You're an attorney who wishes to represent people in the purchase and sale of real estate?

It's one of the hardest businesses and also one with the most sentiment against it around right now.

Quote from @Michael Smythe: @Steve K.Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

The risk you are describing is really the same risk every investor faces.

Most will just decline and move on to the next property as they don't want to fill out something for a property they haven't even seen.

Who will be doing the showings?