If there is strong evidence indicating the Tenant was aware of the leak but failed to report it, then I would charge them.

Water and sewer cost are on me and IMO, that's a very strong deal.

In general details are not my strong suit, and I don't have a good system for managing expenses and keeping the project on budget.

The area that we're in has experienced some strong appreciation over the years and so this home has positioned us to have the option to keep it as a long term investment that we can leverage for our daughter's college or our family's future investments Lessons learned?

You'll also likely have to write a strong letter of explanation to explain why your properties went into forbearance and why it's not likely you'll go back into forbearance. 

I have strong credit and would be able cover the costs in the case the rental situation doesn't come to fruition, however where I am hung up is #1 - comping out properties in these more rural areas where there is lower volume and inventory to compare on a $/sqft basis let alone if the information is available and #2 - the majority of the properties I am looking at are older (built 1960s-1980s) some have cosmetic renovations but likely still old bones..this brings me to the my final point is building your 'team' I how have others found reliable inspectors, handymen, emergency services contractors, even cleaners for rental properties?

Strong work.

Probably so many on the market because the market has been hot so many investors are selling high on MLS in hopes of buying low towards the end of the year/2022---just my opinion of course and based off the buzz I hear in these REI streets :)If you're from out of state investing here, I recommend building a strong team that you can trust and are knowledgeable with resources and how to evaluate good deals---my first calls would be to property managers. 

Rents are strong though and just going to increase, get that investment purchased before house prices go up much more and you still have great interest rates.

I strongly recommend you rethink this strategy.