(sarcasm) :)We have 5 (FIVE)...........yes five.The key difference is NOT the cats but the owners who take care of them.Many owners do not properly care for their animals.Our cats have always been indoor cats. 2 were strays but were kittens when found.All our cats are domesticated an dhave been tested and cleared.They are spayed and neutered.They never go outside except for our porch on the balcony upstairs for a few minutes then they want to go back in.Having animals is expensive to take care of properly.You have to make sure they have regular vet visits to keep them healthy.Every 3 weeks we clip their nails,clean their ears,and comb them.We brush their teeth a few times a week and bath them occasionally.The only reason a cat will go outside of the litter box is if:1.they cannot access it2.The owners don't clean it enough (how would you like standing in crap to go to the bathroom).3.The owners have too few litter boxes for the number of cats4.The owners let sick cats or outside cats mingle with their inside ones which can lead to many diseases including feline leukemia.I would say in fairness to landlords as pet owners who own our house we are probably in the top 30% of pet owners as far as caring for them.The cats if you clip them every 3 weeks will not do damage to the carpets as the claws will not be sharp enough.Also if you have scratch pads they can that will help immensely.Pets cared for properly have shown to reduce stress,prevent strokes,and lower blood pressure for better heart health.As a landlord you would have to consider many pet owners would fall into the negligence category sadly.For this you have to take on bigger deposits to mitigate the risk.

And welcome to BiggerPockets, Russ.

@Russ B.

@Russ Draper What are the numbers?

@Russ Kitzberger thanks for the details on vacancy rate .

@Melissa Searing@Russ ScheiderMelissa  you should connect with Russ and his wife.. they are very active and successful in your market.Also the area between charelston and N Charleston which I don't know the name of but there is a swath there of very inexpensive houses in what would be considered semi D neighborhood.. this area though now is probably a little rough but its got to turn over to much pressure. 

This may be a new strategy for you @Russ Scheider

I'm sure @Russ Scheider would be interested as long as @Jay Hinrichs has time.

Hughes, @Russ Scheider, @Luke Petrozza

Overall like Russe's summary statement " But trading out because of the equity I think could be a mistake I think.