Even worse is if it's so cold that I do not get to even look or concentrate on the great features of the house because I am so cold all I can think about is that.

Just showing that, for our portfolio, which is concentrated in better areas, theft is not a rampant problem.

Now, you may use one and you may not go to the contract concentration center but you may well find that stealing copyrighted contracts won't be enforced.

I can enrich myself with knowledge on the internet, with books, and discussing things on a blog such as BP.

However, there are lots of deductions (expenses) that reduce the rental income and sometimes your overall taxable income resulting in a lower overall tax rate: mortgage interest, depreciation, water/sewer/internet bills if you pay them, property taxes, repairs/maintenance, property management...The is an extra benefit if you work in real estate for a living; it's not hard to read up on the details and criteria for that situation, but I don't know them off the top of my head, and I'm definitely NOT a tax professional.

Searching the internet for other options lead me here and I hope that it gives me the spark that I've been needing to get my feet wet.

I'm almost positive that Your not getting all the correct info on the neighbor deal, who cares anyway, just concentrate on Amy Marie's deal.Also, tell Your husband to lead, follow or. . . .No Marriage advice.John ;)

Gallinelli's book is a concentrated, straight forward guide to what you're looking for to analyse properties.

home office supplies and home office deductionAdvertising costsMaybe cell phone and Internet if used for business?

Lost in the Mail, Bad Weather, etc.You have various choices:Electronic payment using the Internet, or have the Tenant deposit the Monthly Rent in a Bank Account, setup just for that purpose.Raymond