The laws of supply and demand are basic and still fascinating, yet it seems to be the perception of wealth attatch to the object de jour, real estate, that drives it the most. that, is my 2 cents.

the entry was filled with steel wool by the exterminator, and I caulked all the cracks and put on the fireplace in the summer time to try to smoke them dead.

I'm currently doing the 9-5 Gig as a staff accountant for a major supply company in the Northeast but am interested in getting into rental real estate.

Purchase price: $99,500 Cash invested: $13,853 Sale price: $155,000 Purchased this home from a wholesaler and it was literally sticky from having been smoked in forever.

If the frames exist and you just need the mesh screen replaced, you can buy the supplies and learn how to do it yourself watching a YouTube video.

One of the tenants is appallingly filthy (think poop on the walls), and another smokes indoors.

First, the bulk of the inspection is the property physical condition, but tenant actions can also complicate the walk through:  removed smoke alarms from ceilings, improper extension cords, etc.  

I supply nice properties and respond quickly to any problems, in exchange for on time rent payments and keeping the property clean.

When LLC's are set up by your smaller average landlord, they are easily pierced by a decent lawyer because there is often enough cross over of income and expenses to prove they are a "smoke show".Plus depending on state, there are recurrent fees for each LLC, nit just a one time set up cost.The debate is over heavy liability insurance coverage vs having a bunch of LLC's......

May I ask which brand/model you went with and do you supply them with a physical key as a backup?