This took me a little by surprise, I was under the impression that if I contracted an agent to find prospective tenants, then it was my responsibility to pay the fee.

Hi everyone,I'm expending my business and starting a new project and I need to recruit a few people to do prospection for me.

If prospects aren't looking up, then I would talk about parting ways as it looks like the place is too expensive for them.

So, seemingly, there is still great prospect, but I suppose time will tell.

After all, if they can't fill out electronic application and set up electronic payments what type of job prospects would they have in case of a layoff?

It is very hard for anyone on here to give a definitive answer to your question when we don't know where the properties are, what the quality of the tenants is, how much deferred maintenance do both prospects have?

However when I tell my prospective tenants that the ductless mini split in their unit is only going to cost them $50 per month, in the winter, it's a big selling point.

With your budget, some of the neighborhoods with the best appreciation prospects right now include Natomas (proximity to downtown but more affordable, relatively limited supply still since there was a building moratorium which only recently expired) and Elk Grove (proximate and commutable to the Bay Area).  

Can always email a bit back and forth or set up a call if you're suspect of a prospective tenant.

Right now I have 2 prospective properties where the seller would be willing to finance