We let them have the keys for a week or two.

The key here is (1) the seller is motivated ( desperate ) enough to give up control of his property to someone who has little if any capital invested, while receiving no money upfront himself and still maintaining liability on his mortgage, and/or (2) the seller is convinced that you will be successful AND that his risk is small AND that he will receive future benefits.

Update is that my husband is at the unit today removing locks to be re keyed.

Growing your referral base is key to your success as an investor.

In my opinion it doesn't matter if is a turn-key or in the MLS, you should do the analysis and invest in something that best works for you.  

@Key Dawson it is hard to say without more specific details. based on what you have given us I would go for the leveraged property. 

One of the key fundamentals in any market is the ability to add value at the outset.

I became the only non-family member to have keys to their home & pool area & I took care of things when they were away.

I think the key is in the terminology: “fee” vs “non-refundable deposit.” 

ah I see now, I get key word alerts and they don't tell me where the post is, I see now that this is in the Multi Family form.