It's hard to tell from an application and interview if they are crazy, on medication, loud, obnoxious, dirty, or maybe they collect feet.

I am really hesitant about investing in King county; seems incredibly tenant friendly and red tape happy.

I would also go back and take a hard look at the data that she provided on the application so that you have a better chance of finding her after she leaves in case you have to take her to small claims or housing court.

Based on that background, I'd say the following would be most applicable: Know the #s:- Accounting courses- financial modeling classes (now I'm doing deal syndication I wish I had taken more financial modeling courses) - specific real estate courses (as @Matt Devincenzo mentioned those CCIM courses have very good reviews) Connect with people: - public speaking (taking a stand up comedy class is like Public Speaking on steroids) - psychology classes and books (why do people do what they do) Be a good manager: - Business management (as you already mentioned) - Experience DOING or being exposed to it with an internship or job shadowing That said, my OVERALL advice is to find people who are doing these things and actually do it with them or closely watch them do it (then do it).

If you want to deal with miles of government Red Tape you can work with them on getting FHA 203(k) loans which are basically the only pure residential construction loan product out there, and is only for owner occupants.  

Also wanted to make them small businesses for the fasfa for college aid applications to turn the investments into small businesses so it wont impact the aid I need.

I'd like to include the extra income in an application to rent a place myself, but I'm wondering if advertising the fact that I'm a landlord myself would make a potential landlord-to-be hesitate to consider me.  

It is important to understand the scope of applicability of RCW 61.34.

It must match what was shown on the application AND the current address better be on the application too.

Movable walls are being used more and more but usually for commercial applications.