I try to incentivise them as much as possible by offering the following: 1) One full year of rent in advance (typically at a slightly discounted price from their advertisement); 2) I am responsible for any maintenance items excluding major mechanical issues (electric and hvac), which means if there is any kind of backup or plumbing problem, it's on my dime, but it also means that they are going to have a renter that is not calling them to fix minor things; 3) I release them from any liability related to the Airbnb; 4) I install a keypad lock on the front door and agree to leave it when I vacate; 5) After the one year lease we go month-to-month until March when they can get back on the seasonal leasing schedule (which I inform them of), and then I sign a year lease and pay as a regular tenant.

Unless you're locking arms with someone who is in this space, the first dollars you should spend are on educating yourself.

Cover floors with click lock vinyl and replace baseboards.

Either investors are buying them for appreciation or to lock up the land or house hackers are doing it to save insane rent. 

Yet someone tried to force the window closed with one of the lock engaged which bent the locking bar.

And after you get them out of there, change the locks, take the original tenant to small claims, then get a judgement against him for back rent and damage.

Hi Rebecca,There are plumber installable devices known as sewer backflow prevention devices.You might want to talk to a plumber and see if installing one (or more) of these might help keep this from happening in the future.Here is a good demonstration of large one for the main discharge line: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

. • Outlets/switches/thermostat at wheelchair reach, FA strobe/horn devices, Wheelchair accessible door peepholes • A pullout sleeper sofa in the living room ensures that this suite can comfortably accommodate up to four guests.

I was a Director of Sales with a 25 year career in medical devices. 

@Bruce Woodruff @Jesus Roman Came very close today to locking in my first property but took you guys advise to be patient seeing that the numbers were very tight due to the funding company picking comps in the area that were very low.