If it escalates, they can step in and mediate if needed.

WE also make sure our driveways are 4 feet wider than Lennar this way when they step out of the car they land on concrete NOT dirt . 

Next step will be to start analyzing deals for practice and asking others for feedback on my analysis.

We do take many steps to consider whether a tenant will be a good fit for the property.

@Gash Nookala,Renting can indeed be slower in winter, but here are some tips to boost interest:Enhance Listing: Ensure your listing has detailed descriptions and high-quality photos—consider professional photography if needed.Competitive Pricing: Double-check local comps; even a slight price adjustment or incentives (like a reduced deposit) could attract more interest.Broaden Marketing: Beyond Zillow, Hemlane, and MLS, use social media, community boards, and local business connections to reach a wider audience.Flexible Lease Terms: Offering shorter or month-to-month leases might appeal to tenants during this slower season.Local Property Manager: A local pro can tap into their network and help fill the vacancy faster.These steps should help you find a tenant despite the seasonal slowdown.

I haven't ever found an easy money scheme and in my experience when everyone and their uncle starts jumping on the bandwagon it might be time to take a step back and wait for the correction.  

What is the next step for me as a new landlord/homeowner? 

I would go a step further and say there is a Thought-Cancer in US Society today that people feel there not only entitled to affordability, but that it's focused to and for THERE "affordability".

That is the best case scenario, of course sometimes you get lied to and stalled, that's why it is important to always emply a double strategy and stay a step ahead.

I always get a notice to pay for the "Proactive Rental Enforcement Program" https://www.santa-ana.org/prep-program/.