@Shelley AltermanI'm talking here with 30 years experienceYou're in Florida and you're an agent and that's awesomeIf you care about protecting the seller I would do a lease purchase versus a lease option and get 5% down and take 3% as a feeI don't know what Florida customary earnest money deposits are, in California earnest money is 3%My advice to you: Create a lease purchase agreement, Florida State lease, and a sale and purchase agreement.To make your seller happy I would take the payment from the tenant buyer and send it directly to the bank if she's out of town, I use www.notecollection.comTo improve the chances of the buyer getting a mortgage I would mandate that they use a credit improvement service like www.upgrademycredit.comIf you leave the buyer to their own devices that won't work on their credit and debt to earnings ratioCredit is very tight right now and you need to find the right tenant buyer has a good chance of getting the mortgage.

I try to get the okay to put a lock box on the property and I can show it or let the prospective buyer go in and look around and call me with any question they may have when they are done.

Should I rent it out, locking in my low fixed rate?

It's a great rate if it's locked in.

Additionally I am sure there are huge possible liability concerns if the tenant is injured while putting up the hurricane shutters.There are many different types of Hurricane shutters from the panels you fit and tighten, the accordion, roll down for sliding glass doors, and impact windows.Depending on what story the window or door is located on and your budget will ultimately determine what hurricane mitigation device you choose. 

Also change all locks to the property.

Thats why I will never close unless on the morning of the close the building is evidently fully vacated and locked shut then we close and I rush over with the keys and change locks.Good luck with your offers, investments and tenants!

What does it mean by closing and lock date?

Lock your doors!

. ** If I didn’t have my license, it would seem that I could help run the rentals for my parents by setting up the VRBO, using a restore-lock, hiring maid services, and basically making sure everything runs smoothly.