This encourages them to start their search now and (hopefully) leave early so you can turn the unit around and find new tenants sooner. 

I would encourage the use of a warranty deed to the situation that @Steve Vaughan mentioned above.

The tips on finding deals, analyzing properties, and studying the market are invaluable, and I'll start practicing the "four square" method as you recommended.Thank you for the encouragement to jump in and get started.

@Jared FisherRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

I would encourage a deck as well. 

This will serve as proof of notice sent.I encourage you to do this today. 

Feel free to DM me if you'd like more insights on all this (we don't do biz in Alabama so got nothing to lose).Here's some other "copy & paste" advice on how to search for a better PMC:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Also:_________________________________________________________________________Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

I would encourage you to learn the market you plan to invest in now and to continue to learn about the different methods of investing.

If you have the ability to visit, I highly encourage you to do so!