Yardi and OneSite are also really popular.

If you don't own any property now, need a place to live, and want to make your first buy an investment, the option to buy multifamily, live in one unit, and rent the rest is very popular.

There are always unexpected cost that arise during rehab. 

Contrary to popular belief, screening services miss a ton.

At least every two week or so, some issue would arise because of this tenant, but that’s another story.

Most of the time this has not happened to me, and once it happened with a reliable tenant which I agreed to, but I have a tenant now that I suspect has caused some damage; regardless, I want to know what I can do if this situation arises and what the laws are in MA.

Not understand most of the basics of owning these properties.. they are the most popular investment with many wanting to get into the RE game because the cost of entry is so low and the sophistication level of the investor does not need to be anything more than they have money..

@Michael Stroup It sounds like this particular contractor knew you were a long distance landlord and in a time sensitive spot given the AC was for an elderly couple & might have taken a little advantage of that with the price they charged.All you can do now is learn for the next time I guess and take note of this contractor to never use them again.In the end if the tenants pay on time and only call when legit problems arise you will do fine in the long run.

I understand these programs are not meant to finance investment properties, but if certain situations arise is it plausible to utilize them all?

He can recommend and form your structure, and is an aggressive guy that you'll want in your corner if any issues arise with your real estate transactions.