Hopefully this will encourage all, specifically the newer investor:My wife and I used to basically live paycheck to paycheck.

I would encourage the renters to fill out the renters relief paperwork or contact their local Non-profit. 

HI @Joseph Rios, I'm encouraged to read of your creative endeavor here! 

@Dave Foster Thanks for the tips and encouragment! 

I personally would not encourage talking with the tenants beforehand because you have no leverage until you actually own the property but I could be wrong. 

Encourage them to act fast.   

@Andrew Bissada - we have 21 roommate houses in the midwest and even one in Austin.You'll be fine and I'd encourage you to move forward as I would at any other time. 99% of rent collected across 120 rooms this year.

Besides the promise of the full deposit returned for a well cared for rental, what other incentives do you provide to the tenant to encourage great upkeep of the property?

Also get a copy of their orders before signing long term leases, you want to make sure they are PCS orders, not TDY orders.Other than that, they probably aren’t more of a risk than similar aged non-military, and you may have a couple more tools for them to encourage them to comply with the lease, such as suggesting you will discuss issues with their commander or first sergeant about significant violations .

They may encourage it, or may stop.