These are things you should have planned prior to engaging in the property.

Request the applicants to pay the $40 per person fee and get a usable credit report and background check.As for the other typical applications components: a good application to rent, 3 months of paycheck stubs, California Drivers License and Social Security Card.The C.A.R. forms (application or lease) are solid, though you may need a realtor to help getting you copies.

Advertising single families is pretty simple, flyers, open houses, social media, direct mail., door knocking, virtual tours, etc.

Here's where I think you need to engage an asset-protection lawyer for the best course of action.BTW: Fannie Mae explicitly allows an owner to transfer title to a LLC w/o triggering the due-on-sale clause.

This includes only using paper applications, which is difficult to organize and also a security issue as you will usually have tenants social security numbers on the applications.

Feel free to check out my social media links in my profile.

Unless you want to take on the role of social worker and try and pioneer the improvement of the entire neighborhood, then I would pass.If this area is likely to remain a war zone forever, then I would pass..... $$ can be made but its not my cup of tea.....

@Tim Ivory you haven't provided enough information to answer your question.For instance what type of investing were you engaged in? 

A good real estate agent will: Keeps up with local and regional market activity and industry newsResearches active, pending, and sold listings and reviews the daily MLS Hot Sheet or Activity ReportCompletes, submits, and files paperwork, such as real estate documents, agreements, and records with the proper state agenciesPlans and coordinates appointments, open houses, showings, and meetings with clients and other real estate agentsDevelops marketing plans for listings and creates fliers, newsletters, and other promotional collateralResponds to incoming emails and phone callsUpdate websites, social media profiles, and blogs

He actually just responded so he is engaged.