If you're just doing a directory type service I think your best model may be to offer free basic listings to build up content and traffic from tenants, then charge for extra stuff like 'featured listing', and photographs in the listing, etc.

And they take marketing to get the right kind of Tenant Buyer: Attitude toward Home Ownership strong; low Debt to Earnings Ratio; willing to work on credit and increase income (2nd job, etc); paying for minor maintenance.

If I need a 4 day weekend, then I will work an extra hour or two on the days that I work.

So I prefer to use a pet deposit.But now, if my tenants move out before the year is up, I get a little extra for the nuisance of a quick turn-over.But the real benefit is that the lying little cheats who claim to want a long term rental when they know full well that they intend to move after 3 months will go some place else to rent as soon as they hear that it will cost them an extra $300 for lying about their intentions.

We had a lot of extra cash/ and still could that sat in a checking account until I read up on ways to invest it.

Add it as an addendum or as extra items.

Also, when I used the better quality postcards I got a better response so spending a little extra was well worth it.

An extra thousand bucks in my pocket isn't worth losing a customer for life.

Instead of typing "Dear Homeowner", take the extra 15 seconds and type their name.

You may buy many more properties if you'll keep a reserve for repairs or negative cash flow, rather than having to pay more down to earn a cash flow, that you'll then pay taxes on!!