I have a tablet computer with a touch screen, and currently use inspections that are paper, I was wondering if anyone also had a tablet PC with a program that allowed them to check and make notes using there pc as they walked through the house.

If you plan on expanding on this particular model and adding things like sensitivity analysis or any type of simulation then I'd back track a bit and create separate input screens that then feeds your actual model.

Or, are there realtors you can hire to do just MLS listing, but let me to the calls, screening, showing, lease, etc... for a lower fee?

Unfortunately its a screening issue.

I always do a phone pre-screen to determine if qualified.

While there are firms like Visiting Angels, a tenant of ours suggested advertising on, or checking Craigslist for a caregiver, as the hourly rate would be less.So while there is some peace of mind with a service like VA, the cost savings of an individual has some appeal.I was thinking of doing a check similar to screening a tenant...crimes, judgements, credit check, evictions, etc...Would you consider a private person or be more inclined to go with a firm, and if you did go with an individual, what kind of background check would you do?

Ideas to consider: Some sort of splash screen like you get at Mc'Donalds regarding liabilty and whatnot so you don't wind up in court if the tenant uses the service for any sort of criminal or fraudulent activity and change the password once a month or find some other way to deny service to people when they are late on their rent....

You can build in a bonus system for the PM based on metrics achieved.You give them a low base and most of the income is performance driven.A good PM won't take issue with that but a lazy one sure will.The larger apartment buildings pay a bonus to the manager based on occupancy levels,rent collected,keeping turnover low,screening tenants properly with security deposits etc.If you are paying them regardless they have nothing to strive for.They don't really care about your property that much but most will care about a larger pay check to them.This goes back to would you rather get a print out employee of the month certificate or a 200 bonus??

And then you might have a mess on your hands.Any tips to reduce the risk of a a sloppy install when screening candidates?

As in go and look at the house and talk with the sellers without doing much screening (normally a waste of time but if you need to learn houses and talking with sellers chalk it up to education time).