Get good properties in good areas and get a good screening process in place.Other risks, include regulatory risks which I think are in proportion to the size/scope of projects you take on (if you're fixing up houses lets say before renting them).Other risks include common maintenance items. 

And this time I hope I can do a better job because I am sure I got my back covered with pros at BIGGER POCKETS and hopefully local Reia which I am about to join soon.

How much insurance coverage do you have and does your policy even cover a dog large enough to jump a six foot fence?

Tenant Screening Standards:No previous eviction-3x income to rentClean backgroundGood referenceHi Everyone,On Biggerpockets these 4 standards for the tenant screening process have been repeated time and time again.

I do not know if it will add value, it may if it is uncommon for houses in the area to be insulated. and for $250, well worth doing, it may even help prevent any pipes from freezing in the future. as far as the electric, i do not find that price too bad, the basement will be easy for them to take care of, the 1st floor, they will have to open up the switch and outlets, tie the new wire to the knob and tube and pull the new wire up using that knob and tube wire and re install the switches and outlets, there is some labor involved and is easier with 2 workers. the lights are going to be the hardest for them to do and they may have to open some walls, i would check with the electrician on that and see if you are going to have the added cost of repair and re painting. a lot of times insurance companies will not cover you if there is knob and tube in the house and it was never disclosed to them, so it would be worth it to you for the insurance protection to have it done. over all though, it seems like a good price.

I have a part time job, it's giving pre-employment drug screens to people starting contract work at the above refinery.I would be very cautious about having a STR 1.5 hours away. 

I purchased a two family house in NY almost two years ago, but to purchase that home I took a pension loans and a personal loans to cover some of the closing cost ( 70k).

Plus, after talking with the seller, he's agreed to work with our property management team to screen the tenants, so I think all is good.

Meaning if you could get a deal under that it is covered . problem is most dnt know how to get low enough.

floors that are currently completely covered with old wall to wall carpet that we'll rip up once reno is done.