When I reminded them of the lease and the terms (along with the associated fees for pets), he said "If you're going to charge me for the bird I'm just going to give it away." 

Also, set an alarm that has a song which reminds you of your why.

Like I said, I've never done a deal like this before, so these are the kinds of things of which I need to be reminded.

This really isn't that difficult when you stand your ground and remind the tenants who the real home owner is.Tell them that you are going to schedule open houses and they are responsible for removing their valuables and/or locking them up in the closet or off the premises.The realtor will escort each buyer throughout the property so there really isn't anything to worry about as long as they keep their valuables out of sight.No one is going to open their dresser drawers or touch their clothes and stuff with an escort watching them.Never let a tenant dictate anything to you ever.

I wanted to share this story with you lovely BP members, as a reminder of what can happen in landlording, and why I really, really value preparation.  

If all 3 are on the lease, I'd remind them that they are all legally liable for the apartment.

In good times investors, especially inexperienced investors that haven't lived through a RE downturn, forget what "over leveraged" means ... when (not if) the next downturn hits, those that forget get an often painful reminder of what it means.

This reminds me of AVM and other new age fancy formulas and algorithms that fancy, super sophisticated wall street types use.  

I have no axe to grind here except that I constantly want to remind people to make investment decisions based on hard data, rather than on feel-good stories and speculation about what neighborhood is next to gentrify.

Just remember to not become complacent and fall in love with the consistent high paying salary, remind yourself daily this is a temporary step to your ultimate goal of being a full time entrepreneur/real estate investor...