You could also purchase the property and then transfer it to an LLC, but then the lender could call the loan due because of the due on sale clause.

You can outsource marketing (any agent will list it), accounting (any CPA) but without relationship with Tenants you'll have constant problems.Such companies exist - they take phone calls 24/7 and then transfer them to PM to coordinate contractors.If you don't care about your bottom line, you can hire such a company: they will call to the most expensive plumber co, electric co, etc - you pay the money, they fix the problem.Fixing toilet would take you 10 min plus driving, they will call the plumbing company which takes $200 just to diagnose the issue (im not kidding - I've had such thing).

If you want to save some money though and get your hands dirty there are products you can purchase on domyownpestcontrol.com but you will need to follow the labels and be thorough which shouldn’t be too hard since all furniture and carpet is removed.

However, I am leaving for an overseas tour soon and the Mrs. will have her hands full with four kids, two dogs, and a cat.

Trying to get a couple more deals done.If you are good with your hands you can renovate most yourself.

Make sure, you have the right to evict - Tenants must have relationship with you - sign the transfer PM letter with new payment account or mailing address.I wouldn't give the envelops - that's overkill.

The sellers accepted and now the electrician is going out closing day and he'll have a check in hand to do the work.

You are going to want it cleaned and filters changed in order to help get rid of the smoke smell.You are going to want to wash every surface that you can get your hands on -- walls, windows, fixtures, painting may be easier depending on how bad it was.

If you have all that then you are in a position to partner on a deal and thus finding someone who has the hands on experience to take over the aspects you aren't comfortable with (while still allowing you to "watch and learn"). i.e.

@Adam V. did you own those properties free and clear before transferring title?