I have a tech support background and am honestly bored from it after 11 years. 

What products have you had the best luck with for background checks?  

They said they do criminal record background checks, income verification, evictions and collection accounts.

I think an attorney with a great background who can also be a one stop shop for advice or referrals is always preferred.

If your PM doesn't take their time and check tenants backgrounds, thoroughly, you're in trouble.

Find someone who is experienced whether an investor or someone with the background of working with/managing investment properties that is willing to share their experience. 

In my novice opinion, this is what needs to be done to the house:Mold inspection/eradication (water damage from leaking water heater in attic)HVAC neglect (possible mold)10 Fogged Windows (house has numerous large beautiful windows that have become opaque due to moisture)Pressure wash exteriorReplace Carpets (approximately 1500-2000 sq ft)Paint interior walls/sand and paint trimPlumbing hardware has all been removed/needs to be replacedPool filled with excessive amounts of leaves/debris (pump is running)Excessive amounts of trash throughout house yard and pool houseLive Oak growing onto roof (arborist needed)New Sod (currently all weeds)Pool Deck ResurfacingGarage Door Openers have been removedLarge golf ball sized chip on bottom of granite on islandresurface built-insExterminatorPatch holes/cracks in walls (about 10 fist sized holes)Many light fixtures missing (10 or so in closets and bathrooms)smoke alarms missingSo, part of me was disgusted and felt very guilty watching my buddy conduct a walk through via the internet.  

I'm 30 years old and have a strong background in residential construction as well as lots of experience renovating our own home.  

I am a mechanic or engineer- my background is in the construction fields, I owned my owe business for 12 years and lost it all in the last market crash and said I would never do what I did before- now I am at a hospital working in engineering- I do have a rehab but my stamina is a little less than what it was 14 years ago- I'm thankful for my day job but I know its not where I want to be so I feel the pain- the biggest thing you got to do is find the right deal- something your day job can afford ie.. rehab, foreclosure a deal that makes sense- bite the bullet and buy it- you will have to get dirty, do the work your self and don't fall in love with the property, find the best market move for it and get rid of it or keep it as a rental, do it againkeep crunching numbers and looking at properties one will be there for you there everywhereGood Luck!

The main living room/dining area is open to a beautiful kitchen (12x14) and is about 16x10.