If you get called on the judgment years later what the tenant will want is a "motion to vacate" to clear the judgment.If a satisfaction of judgment is entered it does nothing for their credit but just shows the judgment as paid with zero balance but it's still there.

I have a binder in each rental with contact info and all of the pamphlets that came with the appliances and smoke detectors, in addition with directions with pictures on how to change the furnace filter and how to shut off the water to the entire house in case of water emergency.

Not sure about the laws in Alabama, but in Florida, if they don't move out on their own free will, you'll have to hire an attorney who files a motion with the county court to obtain a "writ of possession", which you then take down to the local sheriff's office to get the eviction.

Shop for something you can afford, and if your disciplined and save money every month you could in fact put the wheels in motion for owning your own home.Advise: If you credit is damaged find yourself a good "Partner" and offer them some experience and put some skin in the game... say cash for a down payment  ;) The numbers:2B/1B, 1275 SQFT Huge Detatched 2 car garage.Asking price 100KMarket price 120KWe bid 85K( Someone else bid)Changed our bid to 100KThey countered 102KWe drew a line in the sand and stuck to 100KGot credited 5K+2500K in closing.We settled at 95KPut 10K down and have a 85K loan @ 4.375The house needs 15K in repairs.The location is in the best part of town, has 6 schools in less then 2 miles.

I do it every 6 months.Tell them it is to inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  

Never cost me a dime except to put the machine in motion.

I'm reading a lot of that about 80% of your first deal is simply finding a good deal then the rest come in motion.  

Arnie the judgment can be from a medical collection company, a scorned contractor, all kinds of things.If people do not show up or were given proper notice then a judgment is issued by default.The tenants can file a "motion to vacate" to have the judgment vacated.

For now it might be "sideways motion" (football analogy).

My knowledge level is light years ahead of where I was at the start of my project and my BS detector in dealing with contractors is extremely accurate.As a business owner I understand your reluctance in letting go of your existing company.