@Michelle: *Call* the PM in addition to emailing; be willing to put in an application sight unseen if you are not in Portland yet; be prepared to take possession as soon as the unit is available; don't be a smoker; have excellent credit; if you have pets, be prepared to pay higher rent and deposit; have realistic expectations--do not expect to pay Gresham rent in the Pearl district; follow through and do what you say you will do when you say you will do it. 

Just get your forms ready in advance and have good ideas on the type of systems to handle requests, pets, communication, etc. and it will not be a problem.As someone said though, treat it like a business because it is a business.

We will be installing a sink in one of the 'bedrooms', but no range, w/d hookups, furnace, etc. so when we eventually want to sell, those items can be easily removed.Rentals are currently in huge demand in our area - we had a catastrophic wildfire about 10-15 mi from our home and people are desperate for housing, but I am becoming concerned as I've seen people recommending lying about ESAs to get their pets in rentals (we have 2 dogs already and wont accept pets), people reporting rental listings to the AG if they think the price is too high (gouging), along with the general worry over destructive/abusive/etc tenants.

Some things that you should consider when it comes to the lease are: Inherited tenants, Pet Addendums, RUBS - who pays for water, electricity, etc.

Think of all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

I charge a $300 pet fee (not a deposit) for up to two approved pets.

No pets.

Rentals are also improved if you allow domestic pets (with a special pet security deposit).

Don't have pets or smokers inside the house.

Think of all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.