Christopher,Congrats, and welcome to the world or real estate investing.I will give you one bit of advice.This is a business for you and your wife so make sure you always treat it and think that way.If you have any questions feel free to reach out.

I don't want to treat applicants differently from each other, but I feel we'd be taking a risk.

In the entryway I ended up having to remove the laminate, the lino below it, the sub floor, baseboard, and dry wall, treat with Kilz, and then replace all of it.

Of course after treating every member of BP to Starbucks, you'll be 'slightly' in the red.Glad it worked out and you made some money.

You want someone who will treat you fairly when the unexpected happens...as it will.

Things will get better as time goes along because with my 20 year loan, principal retirement will escalate (all paid by my tennant).Also, my tennants are great - treat the property like it is their own, never ever late on rent etc.

This house has a serious defect and should be treated as such.On a side note, what makes the area that you're looking at special?

Collect your fee upfront and treat them as any other buyer.

I will see how this property treats me and go from there.

Treat the tenants respectfully and give them reasonable time to adjust to your changes or move.