Doing so, if any damage is caused it is actually a federal crime-With an accepted bid, you might be able to activate the utilities. 

Taking a more active role?

If you don’t want to be as active in your property’s management (i.e. you’re not cut out for “by owner” management), then hire a good property manager to handle the nitty-gritty details like prepping the home for the next tenant.

Most people with 3 or 6 mortgages reporting to their credit have FICOs in the 775 to 825 range even if that is the ONLY credit activity they engage in.

An individual qualifies as a real estate professional for the tax year if -a. more than 50% of the personal services performed by the taxpayer in all trades or businesses during the tax year are performed in real property trades or businesses in which the taxpayer materially participates; The rental or any other activity that you do not materially participate cannot be counted. andb. the taxpayer performs more than 750 hours of service during the tax year in real property trades or businesses in which the taxpayer materially participates., the rental or any other activity that you do not materially participate cannot be counted.

@Alessandra Almeyda you definitely want to link up with someone who is actively closing deals and who knows the ins and outs of the market.

@Maneesh Joshi in that case, i would just look up a different SF agent in Philly. there is no reason they cant cover you if you are actively looking for tenants. vacancy would only come in to play if you knew it was going to sit vacant for a long period of time

It seems foolish to not have insurance on a property that's actively being renovated.

BP is a great online resource and community with lots of active members here in the Charlotte area.  

I would go to your local forum and see if there are any agents that are really active.