In 2014, the Birmingham Metropolitan Statistical Area in all three of the following areas: Average Annual Labor Force, Real Gross Domestic Product, Annual Average Employment.

@Derp Gurp, Whether you choose to set up a domestic C corp or other domestic entity that can own real estate you will be able to effectively avoid tax on gain using the 1031 exchange. 

Think of all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

Pet resistant carpet in second floor units, or derigueur LVP?

The current landlord does not allow pets, also a plus.With 5 bedrooms available, 70% occupancy, and $400 per, I only get a cap rate of 6%.

Also, set email responses for no pets and other common emails. 

It's too bad because you cannot beat the Occupancy rates month over month anywhere domestically in the US.

Those are things you can start working on now.You also want to be up to date on the laws concerning pets and what you must take or allowed to deny and the best way to screen those who say they have a service animal or ESA.   

Think of all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

. - Pet Friendly: A LOT of nurses (myself included) travel with pets.