If its a HAVE to move, then the landlord would have to incur hotel costs for the tenant during the repair....so pay the move and be done with it....cheaper for the landlord.If its an OPTIONAL move by the tenant, then its on them... they made the choice and also decided to drop $$ on buying boxes and renting a van, when there are cheaper ways to move stuff 500 yardsThe big hurdle is its AFTER the move that the tenant now wants to talk $$.

@Stacy MansonAt this time with such low balance you simply don't have enough to do any alternative investments.

You are making a fantastic choice starting so early. 

I'm looking at 5 unit+ properties and adding ADUs since those with immediately be valued off of the NOI.The CA state-wide rules for ADUs don't apply to 5+ properties (meaning, you can only add them to SFR or duplex properties), and I don't know of any City that has alternate rules that are more permissible. 

First I would let them know that "rent" is not their choice to decide who gets paid when and how.

But I do know lease options quite well, and I will tell you that for the typical new investor, sandwich leases are not the strategy of choice. 

You've got a couple of choices @Jessica Pfann. 

Same deal, we cover all vacancies, repairs and maintenance.My investors have gotten their check every month for 20 years.Just thought I would throw out an alternative to rentals.Tim

There are lots of choices, but that's the first big split that's necessary to look at first before deeming into different options.

Losing a couple grand because you were ignorant about something and made a bad choice is one thing but losing your home to scheme is another.