Jerell,Credit and rental history are probably your biggest worries - i.e. do they have the funds to pay and will they pay, and do they owe to their prior landlords. 

WE are venturing in the Philippines with a view towards retirement - having properties that will pay for itself, a place to stay when we come to the US and buy & Hold for our future retirement or our kids in the future. 

To do well in pricey places like Santa Barbara, use what locals know, look into ways to invest, team up with backers, check out how to pay for things, aim for cheap homes, do deep checks on the market, and get to know folks in the area.

If your average tenant stays 2 years and it takes you 6-8 weeks to have the next tenant in place then you have almost a month per year where you are not getting rent but still have bills to pay.

In this episode it talks about rental arbitraging many units in apartments and then being awarded government contracts where you house a large amount of government employees  and the government pays you well over market rent.

Yes, lease states they can pay by several methods which includes money order.

I would love to have a conversation about my situation to ensure I’m adequately covered but not paying for anything unnecessary.

Pay Your Bills on TimeLate payments can significantly impact your credit score.

It’s dangerous to do for the ex though because if you don’t pay the mortgage they are still responsible for the mortgage. 

If they cannot send someone to even cut the grass, then chances are they aren't paying the property taxes on the property either.