3 smoke detectors went in, the new thermostat (which needs batteries, have to remember to bring some tomorrow!)

I would also look into getting a battery back up for the pump.

They have a code of ethics and passed a battery of tests to be certified.Paul

Reading about others' success here has me feeling super excited about Real Estate again as all the business done in the last 8 years left me taking a couple months off to recharge my batteries. 

how about finding that the tenant was using a set of battery jumper cables attached to the overhead electrical wire and wired  into the breaker box in order to bypass the electric meter.

My tenants change light bulbs, batteries, and furnace filters.

- Get landlord insurance- Find out when trash fees and taxes are due- Inspect all units, list any repair needs, appliances, mechanicals, age and condition; check smoke detector batteries and for leaks (take pics?)

He was just thrown in jail for aggravated domestic battery and will not see the light of day for 7 years. 

So I'll head back over there tomorrow and continue until I see him again.In preparation for the next time I actually see him:- I prepared a contract to make my offer official, and to give him confidence in me and give myself a bit of security- I purchased a set of walkie talkies and will give him one (with extra batteries) with the hopes that he will use it to communicate with me, we'll seeAdvice to any others that may face a similar situation (just in case):- BE CAREFUL - don't travel alone or at night, be prepared for anything, understand that their mindset is survival and you more than likely have a lot more to lose than them- Bring some cash (ones), but not a lot (I've been handing out dollars like candy)My plans:- Get the contract signed- Clarify all of the "assumptions" by asking him a series of questions I've prepared (regarding proof of identity, of sound mind, legal capacity, veteran status, etc)- Open title on Monday, find out what my title company will need in order to close- Do whatever I need to do to get him in a position to closeMy ongoing questions:- How do you responsibly give someone who is homeless this much money?

For locks, I buy the same cheapie sets at lowes and a general brand battery powered engraver.I have a sequential four digit number scribed on the keys and locks.After a tenant moves out, I replace the locks with the last set I removed from the previous move-out.I make sure every lock at that property has the same key.I have a spreadsheet accessible on my phone with the 4 digit number and the address (using just the street number, nut the name just in case it gets in the wrong hands)for me its cheaper/easier than re-keying.