@Ken T.I know of many Canadians are taking advantage of the combination of low interest rate & double digit return cash on cash; has bought into US market.2% is not easy to get in most areas of US market(depending on market & area). 1% is not even easy in war zone area in Canada( although war zone area in Canada is mickey mouse to US).

Send a camera down the line.

(Now, given that there were 20 people who came through and nobody rented initially is a different story, but regardless...)I'd suggest a pro photographer (or just look at pro photos and do your best to get close with a real camera, not an iphone), also, keep in mind what's in the photos.

When I got home I downloaded my camera and and started to populate a basic info spreadsheet I built to document my findings.

Give them some gloves and headgear and setup the camera! 

Ultimately, we thought it was worth the risk, because worst case we're out a few grand, best case, we get property worth 6 figures, and most likely case, we pick up double digit returns for almost no work.

Being the squeaky wheel by calling the police as well as installing security cameras, even fake ones, is a great idea.

If you want to read the article yourself, let me know and I'll try and dig it back up from my history.

@Dawn Rodgers is 100% right - in this digital age, you NEED quality pictures of the property. 

Has anyone considered getting the digital thermostats and having them set so they can't go below a minimum temp?