They tend to be very grateful for the home, but you do have to screen carefully.

I will make mistakes I know, but I am grateful for @Brandon Turner and @Joshua Dorkin and the entire BP community for the wealth of resources here...knowing that I will make a whole less mistakes because of this community.

Also, on what grounds can you deny an applicant so you don't get tagged for discrimination.  

Because of my family ties, I have access to IMAPP and MLS over in the Tri Cities area of Washington but not terribly sure I want to start out doing remote investing until I get a little ground under my feet first.

There are some great turnkey opportunities for buy and hold cash flow properties if you look elsewhere, including in Philadelphia your old stopping grounds.

Your wisdom is keeping me grounded. 

Your HOA will also take care of the grounds by hiring landscapers to cut the grass, maintain gardens, and trim bushes.What is the cost overlay on a property  HOA vs outside maintenance? 

It is one of the large plastic ones that slide down over a 4 x 4 cemented in the ground.

I'm moving to Houston in March when I touch ground I'm looking for buyer's and a fresh start.  

The only thing we didn't do much of due to weather was landscaping because the ground is frozen and there is snow on top.