Married, 2 kids one dog...Our first foray into real Estate was, hummm,,, how to put that...unsuccessful with the renter (800 miles away....bad bad idea) basically rendering the house inhabitable because of mold issues.So now we are trying to get into rentals that are a little closer to home.

I'd be deterred by a barking dog.

Recently I had soms tenants in a duplex who were having some disagreements over dog poop Pickup in the shared yard.

After the kitchen comes the basement then the 2nd floor bath.So here are the things done since last post:3rd floorDrywall finishedTub stripped/refinishedCeilings textured (knockdown)Changed layout of bathroom and installed fixturesLighting installedPaintedCarpetTrim installedRadiator replaced with baseboard in bathroomKitchen/PantryInsulatedDrywall hung/finishedTile installed (Durock, tile, grout)Rest of 1st floorNasty carpet removed (found some pet stains on hardwoods)Drywall finishedCove ceilings textured (looks better than I thought it would)Painting in process2nd floorDrywall finishedCeilings texturedPainting in processGeneralStack replacedWhole house cleanedLessons learned:For the newbies out there.... after you've got some knowledge get out there and do your first deal, you'll learn so much more on a flip than in a book.

Some of the damages include:-Cigarette burns on both vanity countertops-Pet, ink, and bleach stained carpets-missing shower heads (she said the old ones had mildew in them so she threw them away then took hers that she bought when she moved out)-serious paint damage past wear and tear (plus they smoked so the walls have to be painted to get rid of the smell)-beat in drywall holes-broken light fixtures-they didnt clean at all so cleaning costs-some items left (tires in basement, hangers, food in pantry, etc)-broken screens-etc.The tenants are not happy and are saying I stole their deposit.

If it is really tops out around $215K then there is no saving this dog.

I am working at being a bird dog as a way to learn and a way to bring something to the table as I learn.

Bamboo is terrible with dog's claws and in dry weather and I would NEVER install it in a rental in Utah, where I live now.

You'll need a W2, paystub, or last years tax return.2) We file for eviction on day 6 if your rent is late, no exceptions.3) No dogs over 15 pounds.4) We terminate leases if your unit does not pass quarterly inspections.Folks know what their bad habits are and that they are not reliable payers.

A few ideas off the top of my head:- Get a real guard dog- Get a fake guard dog (i.e. search for "Rex the Barking Dog")- Get an alarm- Or just put up alarm signs- Make friends with the neighbors and ask them to watch out for your house- Don't put items like fridges, stoves, etc (anything a thief would likely want) in the house until the very end of your remodel or you absolutely have to