Normally when I have a tenant that I choose not to charge (trying to avoid drama, not enough to worry with, unsure of true cost, choosing not to replace right away), I normally list those out at the bottom in the comments section so that they and any lawyers or judges who get involved later know that leniency was granted.  

In a year or less, my goal is to put myself in the best situation to purchase an owner occupied SFR or Duplex, most likely with FHA due to the low down payment option.

Hi BiggerPockets Community,When I initially discovered BP, I had set out a goal for myself to purchase my first [income] property by end of 2017.

I have a SMART goal related to early retirement, or at least the option of it. 

Our long term goal is to try to buy about one every 4-6 months so we can shoot for semi-retirement in 10 years or less if all goes well. 

I joined bigger pockets for the vast amount of information, and I'm also looking to connect with someone I can bounce my plan off of and get honest feedback.Where would be the best forum to post, in regards to discussing financing options I already have and which ones to choose, attack plans, and basic entry into the real estate market?  

The extent of my real estate knowledge comes from Bigger Pockets posts and podcasts, HGTV, and checking out every real estate book in the library.My goal is to learn as much as possibly by obtaining a license and then hopefully make the plunge into buying property sometime in the next year (very excited for that day).Glad to be here and I look forward to participating more in these forums :) 

Of course lease renewals are mandatory, so choose your tenants wisely.FWIW if you maintain a requirement for high credit rating the criminal report will never be an issue, right?

Another great lesson in rehab costs and choosing a contractor. 

I had always wanted to own property but never took steps to educate myself on my goals (sounds stupid to even say that).