For example in Florida, generally,  a tax deed wipes out all non-governmental encumbrances, but still requires a quiet title action before a title is "clean."

They keep the place clean and pay the rent on time.  

I provide information forms to all new renters giving them the pertinents - location of water/gas/electric shut off, phone numbers to all utilities and emergencies, trash & brush collection info, specific information about maintaining/cleaning the house, etc. 2.

The 3 bedroom is vacant and we plan to renovate (approx 5-6k in renos) and the 1 bedroom is already rented to what appears to be a nice clean older lady who has been there fro 6 years.

I know this will vary for the individual and the type of investment, but it seems most are happy if the mortgage is covered and it cash flows some minimal amount.For an STRP, its not completely passive as I would be hiring someone to handle the listings/cleaning but its much less work than the business I own.

I purchased a 6 unit building about a month ago and scheduled my regular HVAC vendor to service and clean the systems.  

 @Stanley Kong I just received 1 month notice in my duplex yesterday and I believe I will list for 1200, I try to Keep things clean and performing well and it will be at the top of the range with a monitored security system and dishwasher.

Pretty much predatory dealing to begin with.Hope it's cleaned up now. 

.______________________________________________ The upfront agreementIn order for the upfront agreement to work, you need to frame it as a very fair, 2 way business agreement.Here is a possible exchange…After the walk through, you’re sitting at the kitchen table, looking at both mom and dad the sellers.I fold my hands and I looked very solemn, I try to give them is kind of an expression is possible, as sincere as possible, I have my legal pad, a pen, and a blank letter of intent in front of me.I also have a folder of comps and rental information on the subject property.So here’s the upfront agreement…Investor: “So Bob and Susan thanks for the walk through, I just wanted to talk about how I’d like to see our business relationship work.My job is to look at the property, look at all the financial information, then make a decision, on the spot.To keep coming back over and over thinking about possible deals is not what I do.What I do isif the location is right,the condition of the property is right,the layout of the property is right,the existing financing payments are right, andthe attitude of the sellers are right,then my job is to put together the deal structure that works for me,and I basically give the project the green light.Not a yellow light or a red light, but green light,the analogy here is that we go forward and get the paperwork done tonight.To keep coming back is not a good business plan, takes up too much time and nothing gets done.

Once you have identified the handful of heavy hitters, I would suggest volunteering in their office as much as you can.Even it it's just cleaning or answering phones - you will pick up some good tid-bits through osmosis.