Basically the University of Texas donated a bunch of old houses to them to rent out to people on their way up or at least theoretically.

In addition to a couple of the items mentioned above, I also use Chase QuickPay if possible (free for tenant and me) or PopMoney (free for me and free for tenant if their bank partners with PM).

Do you have items up for collection?

The visitor looked dumbfounded and then shyly asked us if they could at least take some of their personal items out of the car before it gets towed.... the tow truck hadn't even arrived yet!

I've read all the items your mentioned and I have to say they are all great resources.

There are many post about setting up a vacation rental including  lists of items needed, importance of great pictures and descriptions etc.

Moreover, if the seller is resisting having the utilities on, I'd view that as a HUGE red flag (similar to how I'd view it if someone tried to sell me a used car, but wouldn't let me test drive it or even start the engine).Since correct and thorough due diligence is the foundation of successful REI, I'd be extremely hesitant to buy a property without testing the aforementioned items (unless the property was so heavily discounted that I could replace/fix all of those items if they turned out to be faulty...but even then, I'd be wary).I'd suggest strategizing with your agent on the best way to get the utilities turned on so you can do a correct inspection...Good luck out there!

Then 3) you will get ideas and necessary items from the Contractors that come to give you their bids.You will finally arrive at a complete SOW, but it takes a while.

I've noticed a few times there's drug related items laying around like bongs, etc.

If you weren't the policy holder, then you would have to get the person who had that policy in their name at the time (sounds like your brother) to file the claim and get things going.One other item to keep in mind is that you also need to know what the deductible is for water damage under that policy (if there was one in place).