Luckily vacation market is picking back up for summer rentals (in NJ) so there isn’t an opportunity to book for a full month.

Both properties will need the service, and are 6 miles away from each other.

I am looking to add passive income while still working my current job until it makes sense to do real estate investing full time. 

Quote from @Melissa Rivera: When a tenant is late, your policy should be that payments must be in full and with a money order or cashiers check.I would contact the tenant and tell them you will not accept or cash the personal check.

If you are going to buy them, make sure you have your ducks in a row as a servicer or, make sure any servicer you hire for these notes has their ducks in a row.

@Gillian Thackray It's actually quite surprising the PM you use is not effective or perhaps not motivated to perform the leasing duties effectively but appear to be fairly competent with the day to day management services.

If this is indeed the service you get for $30 a month then that is a good deal if you need credit.

I'm also a handy woman who's done full house renovations and have been self managing my properties.

You can also reach out to the Development Services department of the City that the land is in and they would also be familiar with that the code states. 

He could have done 23 years (unusual) but needed the payments to be close to his BAH base allowance housing so he got the full amount.