Written by attorney investors, it's full of practical advice pertaining to management of investment property, has sample forms that can be edited, and - most importantly - they tell you what your primary state laws are and where you can read them.

Step two is probably get a better place for band practice.

Here in NYC where I am, the usual practice is for landlords to cover for water, heat, so it would make it more difficult for me to fill vacancies if I'm the only one charging for utilities.

Real estate is rampant with scams and dishonest practices.

But in practice, I allow it. 

If anyone in CA or several other states with similar laws engage in the practice of real estate without a license, they have violated a law and there are penalties for it.

It is written by attorney investors and full of practical information relating to all aspects of managing rentals.

If the point is really refundable, that will help, but this lender's practice is so shady and I'd rather not fund it upfront. 

(We change locks every time, but have had tenants leave apartments unlocked or locked with keys in the mailbox- I'd rather they take the keys with them or turn them into me).With the last rent invoice, I remind them of what is expected at move out time, and see if they have any questions or want to schedule an inspection.Where I went to school, leases ended at noon and the new ones started at noon on the same day, so there wasn't any cleaning or repairs happening in between, and that seems to still be in practice in some buildings, at least from what my inherited tenants have reported.  

I am interested in messaging pro's on here and determining how I can invest my money in real estate in the smartest, most practical way, that will earn the highest profit margins, highest ROI's, be the least-time consuming to manage, and cost me the least amount in interest, brokers fees, etc.