I just bought a house I am going to rent out and it has a high quality, but nicely stained PINK carpet.

Some people argue that we're too strict in how we police the site, I think it ensures the quality of the site.I owe it to all of our members who participate . . . this truly is a wonderful community!

My next door neighbor was robbed about a month ago, most likely while I was home, and I am dumbfounded how someone has the nerves to walk out of a house with a mattress (in your case) or a big screen tv and down a long set of steps, and a number of other big ticket items (in the case of my neighbor).Like Joshua mentioned, lights on timers are a good idea, but I imagine that these are not your garden variety criminals that are used to stealing packs of bubblegum from Walmart.

You should never buy a rental property based on projected appreciation neither on cap rates alone.You need to look at the actual NOI based on the books, and take into account:- the additional operating expenses that may occure after the transfer - the vacancy rate - the improvements quality, age and condition (calculate the replacement or repair costs over the next 20 years)- the accrued property taxes liability you will have to carry after the transferIf you take into consideration all these factors, i bet you won't find many properties with positive cash flow after debt collection and taxes

Management had decided to go up to "gold star" status, this meant the following expenses for each owner; granite countertops in kitchen, flat screen TV master bedroom and living room, stainless steel appliances, new furniture, etc.

Better quality "tenants" I understand that a high number of these buyers walk away from the deal.

We wanted to give a single mom a break and look past her credit and aparently common decency was not one of her strong qualities.

I think you both need better tenants, we just don't have these types of problems very often.I already eliminate 95% of all interested callers/applicants through our screening (most on the phone).

Things like a broken screen or bugs, or dirty appliances.

Gee, this rehab should only cost me $______.These tenants seem really sincere so I won't even bother screening them.Gosh, you're a landlord?!