That's what I've been telling myself, but I like your advice of taking less risk, and not biting off more than I can chew. 

If the child chews on a surface with lead paint (even under the present surface) that could be a source.

That is a lot to chew on for my first deal so any negotiating advise to get that lower will be much appreciated.Thanks - Michael

That is a lot to chew on for my first deal so any negotiating advise to get that lower will be much appreciated.Thanks - Michael

To top it off, I am pretty sure we bit off more than we can chew, due to being super busy with real estate sales, and flipping several houses at the moment, but would love a little guidance.

I started the reno by doing it myself with very little experience and bit off more than I could chew.

No pet polices are not followed and a dog as chewed on some nice 100 year old vintage woodwork.

Both of those items can cause major issues if not corrected, extra damage from racoon feces, chewing on wood and wires/insulation around wires or mold and damage to wood and drywall from a water leak, worse if its a sewage leak.Being a landlord is not just collecting the rent it is managing the property.I do not take it well if a tenant threatens to not pay rent, or complains about things I can not control like the neighborhood. 

You can easily chew up a whole deposit if the tenant has been at all rough with the property.I would suggest get a deposit equal to a month's rent going forward.Most places require that the tenant get an itemized summary and the balance of their deposit within 14 days.

Make it legal and I then you can require they just chew gummies.