Bring something to this deal such as a big screen TV for the living room, or offer to do the daily vacuuming or something you're capable of.

What ever I have been reading on this it seems Landlord is always responsible :( which is sad as landlord is not living in the house and has no control how a tenant keeps the house. 

If you are interested in investing, then just get a property that you are willing to live in with as many rooms as you can afford.

I currently live in Los Angeles. 

Do I have no choice but  to  pay expensive attorney fees to get this done, as I do not live in PA but here in TX.  

I’m not sure I want something electronic as it gets really cold where I live.

here's the shortest version on my situation:1) bought a house for mom in 2005 - she lived there til 2011 (not nearly long enough) did not charge rent2) rented the house maybe 4  intermittent years between 2013 and 2018; filed taxes accordingly with 'income' and 'depreciation'3) lived in the house between 2018 and 2023 when I sold it: almost exactly 5 years to the day 4) cash (after closing) was @ $240kA friend suggested that I may need to repay depreciation? 

What are the best strategies in these markets and what do y'all like about the market and the city as a whole to live in. 

I live in the Phoenix Metro area.

I live in Diksmuide, West Flanders now.