@Joe VilleneuveMy primary intention is to fix and flip but if I can’t sale it at the price I want an exit strategy is to rent it out but there’s no way I can charge rent 2% or 1% rule, so what other way to rent for the cost for holding cost (mortgage, maintenance, tax insurance etc.).

Can Simplisafe or another system run off battery? 

Make sure it's in good working order; smoke detectors have batteries, doors have working locks, fire extinguishers in place. 

Make sure the tenant changes the filter often.Landlord vs Tenant ResponsibilitiesYou're onlyresponsibility is to provide a safe, habitable property that is up to codeSmoke detectors,heat, appliances, plumbing are things you are responsible for If a tenant breaks something like a window, hire someone to fix it and charge the tenant Tenants responsibility to report problems or they will have to pay for itAnnual Preventative MaintenanceSpot problems beforethey become an issueGive the followinglist to a handyman once a year (interior): Change furnace filters Vacuum dust from fridge coils Replace smoke detector batteries Check carbon monoxide detector is working Sweep fireplace Ensure lint from the dryer vent has a clear path to outside Flush water heater Check the expiration date on fire extinguisher Repair broken caulk or grout in the bathroom Tighten any handles, knobs, racks etc.

Our cleaning crew does all the normal STR stuff--cleaning, restocking, laundry, replace towels, reset beds, and will do the occasional odd job like replacing batteries.

ACV - if a tree crashes into it and destroys it or it burned down tomorrow (say, a tenant leaves groceries on the stove and it gets turned on or they plug in cheap phone charger and it catches on fire - both problems we've had), can you rebuild for the $180k?

How much interest would your grandmother charger?

When I got there there were no batteries in the thermostat, and the heat wasn’t turned on.

Self-employment tax is 15.3%I'm not sure why my accountant said to charge rent to pay a lower tax. 

Sometimes problems are very easy to fix such are programming a thermostat, replacing batteries, plunging toilets, tightening door knobs, etc.