It's a vicious cycle that is hard to break for these tenants and help get back on their feet.If they were causing problems with other tenants and rent isn't super high I would get them out.

And maybe that is why the PM says you need these - but if your competition does not include these items, then the PM is causing you additional expense by saying you need these.

@Milton Patterson I can't answer your wholesale questions cause I do not know - but here is the IL contract for investment properties.

Then subtract a little, cause agents are always a little too optimistic :)Also - a warning - I would be cautious about starting your first flip with something that's not-normal.

If there is pushback I would immediately turn towards terminating the lease and moving the tenant along in whatever manner causes you the least pain (cash for keys might be best).In landlording, headaches today almost always equal much bigger headaches tomorrow.

Unfortunately the house isn't sub metered, so eventually we will have to divide the water bill.If you buy a duplex with tenants that haven't been paying for utilities and you decide to start charging, that could cause an immediate conflict.

The whole out of state disclosure form doesn't help the cause believing this guy knows what he is doing.

No harm in asking them, I guess.

Tenants are obligated to follow all rules of the lease so if they are causing damage or problems and it violates the lease - you can evict them like any other tenant or notify them of the violation and many times they will promptly comply since they risk loosing their section 8 assistance.

Some quitclaim and other deeds are uninsurable later and will cause problems when you try to sell it.