Then I dropped him off at his mom's house.I also refunded his deposit less the utility reconnect fees that were due since he had one disconnected instead of having it transferred to me in an orderly fashion, despite the fact that there was damage in the unit such as a broken door where he'd locked himself out, and fire damage where it appeared charcoal spilled and the deck caught on fire, and more...He'd lived there several years and paid fine prior to his break up.I have more stories but mention this one since it's one I've already documented on BP.Other than just listening and talking to tenants who want/need someone to listen or talk with, when I go above and beyond it's either anonymously or in a professional/business sort of way. 

You can't lock them out unless you have legally evicted them.

You should always lock in at long term rates unless your doing a heavy lift or new construction.

I think the best option is to run a dehumidifier.In this basement I built a small 10x10 room in the corner with a locked door for my “boiler room” with my two wall-hung Naviens and other things I keep for storage that I don’t want my tenants touching.

.. I've made a few RE mistakes in my days and, although not my current profession, I'd like to think I've learned a lesson or two in RE.  That said, I came across this possible deal but am not sure where to start.  So...

.. I've made a few RE mistakes in my days and, although not my
current profession, I'd like to think I've learned a lesson or two in
RE. That said, I came across this possible deal but am not sure where
to star...

My cleaner as the dual function now is 30min away, I’m thinking to find someone closer to fix minor things quickly, like lock issues.Please let me know how you find yours and how much you pay, each task or monthly fee.Thanks,Yan

I certainly would not recommend shutting-off the utilities or changing the locks when they aren't home.AF 

It is VERY dangerous to just take over a property and change the locks even if vacant and badly neglected, because that is not the same thing as abandoned.

You'll need to have some funding lined up prior to locking down a deal.