I agree with the idea of letting them stay, adding the pet deposit and socking the money away because in the end, this can be a challenge to take care of the odor.On the other hand, if the contractor is not used to cats even one dirty litter box can cause a significant ammonia odor (cats consume a very high protein diet and thus produce a high urea content urine).  

I was thinking my first step would be into single family or duplex. 

How does the tax deed differ from the tax lien as far as steps in the process?

I have a rental in Mount Airy, MD, and I'd like to add some steps down to an existing patio from an existing deck.  

I'm ready to just jump in and learn as I go so I'm really having to force myself to take it a step at a time lol. 

I find it to be a logical transfer of skills and knowledge, have you found that to be the case or has it been an equally challenging approach to investing?

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/41077-how-to-build-business-credit-in-6-easy-steps

By taking our pre-development a step further and looking at the triple bottom line I think we can continue to advance our development process and improve the quality of life for people. 

@Joseph Mallak"The longest journey begins with the smallest of steps".

I keep a record of each applicant, what step they cleared in the process (e.g. reference check completed, background check completed, income verification, etc.) and the date, status, etc.