Taking a deposit from tenants helps to mitigate the risk and may keep you from having to file an insurance claim in the event that there is any damage to your unit, plus if the tenants have "skin in the game" in the form of a deposit that they are at risk of losing you may have a better chance of renting to a tenant and getting your unit back in tact at the end of the lease.

I know that most if not all fees for the maintenance and care of the property are included.

Flat roofs are great if the rest of the property is great - it’s not the roof but whether the owner is taking care of it and staying on top of inspections, maintenance, snow clearance etc.

I would demand immediately removal of the animal and I would carefully inspect the unit for any damages caused by the animal.

I do not care enough to learn about the midwest to make a smart move out there...part of the appeal of real estate to me is the hands on control of the investment. 

My partner and I screened those liens very carefully and came up with a list of only 21 that we thought were worth buying.

As for HOAs, they aren't cheap but they reduce your insurance costs, and assuming you have a good association they take care of capital and maintenance costs, so it's not like the money is thrown away--you're basically just outsourcing certain expenses via that means.

Hi @Bryan SanderaTread very carefully here!! 

It's a little confusing, so make sure you step through it carefully to assess your own tax requirements.

I noticed a house (right across the street from me) is no longer occupied (rented) and it is not being cared for (tall grass).