There are a few members here that cause me to click on a thread, regardless of the topic, just so I can further experience their insight. 

I am new to REI but that is the one issue I don't have, we are in the construction business, and  know firsthand what problems deceptive or  inexperienced contractors can cause- even to other contractors.BestRachael

Besides the HOAs, there is the challenge that other adjoining/above/below residents can cause problems for your tenants, and you have limited control, since you don't manage or own those units.  

There are those of us out here making lifelong partnerships, helping families out of impossible situations, creating profits for investors, profits for ourselves, providing for our families, giving to worthy causes, and doing it all ethically. 

All of the units are currently occupied but you could always evict (without cause) one of the tenants when you purchase it."

After the second snaking of the drain I had the drain guys run a camera and they diagnosed the problem to be a poorly pitched pipe which is causing waste to build up etc. 

I have a $10k reno budget to add laminate when the tenants move out and create the third bedroom in the coach house.The fifth one had a huge updated upper unit but the lower is what they call a "Polish Flat" where the bottom of the window sills are right at grade and cause water to constantly come in.

I was beginning to think that this "back-up bid" stuff was a bunch of crap, cause I've never had one of mine accepted as a back-up (even though I always indicate that they can hold mine as a back-up).  

Using security deposit for repairs: Do you mean do we deduct cost of repairs after they leave (caused by them) from security?

The tenants didn't cause any problems, they were just old (not the tenants).