It was something really silly...nothing like a true safety issue.

Also, when I call the new company and get the previous homeowners added as a secondary on my new policy, what do I NOT tell them?

Couple other things: - get weekly vacation rental liability insurance, most normal policies will not cover claims if they can prove you rent more than 3-4 weeks a year.

We have no "statement of accounting policy", and because we haven't drawn on the revolving line, we have no interest expense yet.

It's got good liability coverage and 2 years of lost income coverage, and it's not much more than a regular policy would be.Unless you really have a lot of assets, the cost of forming an LLC ($800/yr in CA) might not be worth it for you if you're only occasionally renting your place.  

Insurance can be done in different ways but the one I prefer is this, first you leave the current policy in place but ask the carrier to add you and or your entity as an additional insured.

The safety program was only for first notes and those are almost full value for purchasing.

Do you treat unsatisfied judgements like most landlords treat evictions (none, ever), or are there conditions, ie, how long ago, amount, etc... where you'd accept an applicant with one... or moreHow about mortgage for...

It is considered to be pretty landlord friendly, but MA standards (but that is the case with pretty much any other state).As far as the fees only benefiting the landlord, that is unquestionably true.However when you get a mortgage do you tell the banker "I'm not paying for that credit report, or that appraisal, and I'll pay my attorney's fees but not yours, oh and I don't care what your policy is I'm not paying for YOUR mortgage insurance.  

If they agree, immediately write as strong of an offer as you can keeping it clean and simple (don't ask for items like; Title Policy etc.