I have found that when it is low season and rates are lower, you get less desirable guests- I have had three in the last two months (low season) who were not good- two of them smoked despite my no smoking policy, and one of them didn't put down the dropcloth on the sofa so their dog kind of trashed the sofa.

I look for 10+ year draw periods with a 10+ year payoffs and I have never heard of a fixed option at those terms. 4% fixed for 13 years is a smoking deal, though.

You will likely not be able to deduct your time, or the time of anyone who helps you out with this.It's an ugly reality of the business few people ever talk about because many small landlords dispose of this junk illegally, hauling it out in the dark to a local dumpster or something.

Every month is good to check smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and replace air filters.

The Barking from loneliness,howling in darkness, and the tenant oblivious!

. :)subletting, smoking in non-smoking, late payments, no payments, refusal to pay just one, out of what should have been many, late fees, lug bolts in walls, new boat, new car, new motorcycle, no money for rent, etc., and now I am the bad guy?

We always use the same colors when painting, so when it's a property we've already painted, the matching works great, unless they smoked in the house, then it's off unfortunately.

.- No overnight guests of the opposite gender (house is all same-sexed at this time)- No overnight guests under the age of 18, as this is shared adult living- No smoking on property- Rent is due the 1st of the month.

That did entail a safety inspection for smoke detectors and GFI's, and cost about $100. 

Example:Check water heaterCheck all skins for leaksCheck all toiletsChange batteries on CO2 and smoke alarmInspect A/CChange out air filtersHas being proactive helped you save money in the long run.