Just be careful.

Hiring a good management company would take care of doing most of the necessary work everyday but you would have to manage them to verify they are doing what they ought to do. 

I just want to make sure you are aware of that so it doesn't sneak up on you.Then you will want to have some sort of lawn care and general maintenance budget for tenant "uh-ohs" of about 5% of rent which is another $66.25/month.

As for lessons, you need to be more careful with tenant screening.

We really don't care about getting the money as much as getting them out.

I have a pretty good job here and a rent controlled 1-bedroom apartment in which I pay a small fraction of of what my new neighbors are paying so I want to be careful about giving that up.I really want to put this 30k to work for me, but as Alexander pointed out I shouldn't be too hasty.

Be very careful especially on your first deal.

You could try to take legal action, but that is really going to be a whole headache in its own. 3) Is the lien a small enough amount that you can take care of whatever the seller cannot and still have it be a good deal?

We've always gone above and beyond to take care of our tenants and hoping in return they would do the same and fortunately for us they have. 

I know he knew I was a newbie investor but I did not care.