In fact, the last three rentals of mine that came up for renewal in the last year had new tenants apply, background checks completed, and first months rent + security deposit paid sight unseen.

It is possible that your agreement was written in a way where the seller could keep a portion of your deposit based on certain conditions.

Criteria that I’m hoping for are:- preferably no cost to landlord for subscription - rent collection possible (and preferably at no added cost to tenant - some have a 2.5% fee even for direct deposit)- maintenance requests - document storage (lease, receipts etc) Any feedback welcome!

FIFO accounting and are unwilling to quickly reduce pricing to match moves in the broader market.

I have rents deposited into an LLC account from which all expenses are paid.

-always require deposits before giving them the keys and do full screening(background and credit) before hand/check their referrals.

I took a check one time, because I happened to be at the property and was going to the very bank that the tenant was on their way to for the deposit. 75% of our tenants pay electronically online, and the remaining 25% go to a local bank where we have a tenant access account set up and make their deposit that way.

Up your liability insurance and require a hefty pet deposit. 

I'd start by writing what you want your new life to look like then match that to a few areas that can deliver it, the rest will take care of itself.

We are dealing with a property now that the tenant failed to meet that standard and we are assessing a fee from the security deposit to cover the expense.