I wrote our councilman who is pushing for more and more regulation and urged him to see how the current regulation works for the city (it was only implemented in January of this year). 

I will say, it could be worth considering a shot at an actual software solution built for DIY landlords (1 - 15 units) that helps you to automate your own rental process (ie. compared to other tools, one that helps you to actually build a single listing and syndicates it to 10+ major listing sites, allows you to schedule showings, provides you with super thorough tenant screening options, online digital leases which can be customized and help you by breaking out those fees, automated maintenance tracking, and fast rent collection which also offers your tenants the ability to report their positive on-time payments to the major credit bureaus; just another positive reinforcement/added incentive to get them to make those payments on time).

New to investing and want to automate and create efficiencies from the beginning. 

Which I guess makes them even harder to implement, because it starts with some modesty in thought and action.Anyway, you’ll find them especially important in an uncertain real estate cycle:1.

I've heard of landlords using automated software (not sure of the specific product) that automatically sends the potential tenant(s) a text reminding them of the time and for them to respond with a yes or a no as to whether they will be there at that specific time to view the property. 

We are reaching out to our friends and the community on Bigger Pockets seeking advice and suggestions on software platforms that are easy to implement, cost effective and track expenses from acquisition through rebab and rental.

REHAB BUDGET and SCOPE OF WORK : $90K ( built into loan) $30K for each Gutted unit$5K per existing unit x6 = $30K TOTAL Spend was $100K $4500 for Foundation issues, landscaping, etc 2 gutted units: new electric- 200 amp upgrade Blown insulation for attic ( r38)new sub floorNew insulation throughout New sheet rock ( 5/8 fire wall for exterior living room walls, kitchen and in stair well) New 6 panel doors throughout with all new satin nickel hardware New 6 panel Steel Front and Rear Entry Doors New plumbingNew HVAC system( all electric got rid of gas) New ThermostatNew lights New Hot water heater New kitchen layout ( removed half wall to open up to living room, built alcove for fridge to increase floor plan) New white shaker cabinets with hardware, countertops , fridge, stove, range hoodNew LVP throughout New Carpet in bedroomsNew bathrooms ( vanity, tub, enamel over steel tubs, tiled surround, vent fans, vanity lights, faucets, low flow toilets, shower heads, and actuators) Added 1 new window in each kitchenOther units: ( completed in 409 B and 407 D ) other units will be rehabbed once tenants move out New LVP in LR, BR, Kitchen and hallwayNew Carpet in BedroomsNew six panel doors/ hardwareGlazed existing tub/tileNew shower hardware Low flow water options ( toilets, shower heads, actuators throughout) New water heaters ( 407 D) Replaced AC 409 A ( it was 28 years old) New Fridge 409ANew Fridge 407CNew Stove 407 A Painted stairwells ( versatile grey) had attractive/durable commercial grade carpet installed on stairsInstalled new lights in stair well and motion sensors in 409 Installed Motion Sensor Flood lights on all the cornersInstalled Video Cameras on problem areasHad Duke Energy replace old lights with brighter LED on two poles Installed keypad entrance for both exterior stairwell entrances Cleaned/ repaired other AC units Fixed any issues with plumbing as neededFixed any issues with existing water heaters Installed new black shutters on both building Implemented quarterly Pest Protection Installed raised landscaped beds for 407 ( parking lot facing) Installed new Numbers for both buildingsPainted all exterior doors black installed new hardwarePainted central mailbox black We are still actively repositioning this property and will have another two tenants moving out end of this month ( September) but the property has generated enough profit from the other units at the increased rental rate that the business will be paying for these upcoming turns.

REHAB BUDGET and SCOPE OF WORK : $90K ( built into loan) $30K for each Gutted unit$5K per existing unit x6 = $30K TOTAL Spend was $100K $4500 for Foundation issues, landscaping, etc 2 gutted units: new electric- 200 amp upgrade Blown insulation for attic ( r38)new sub floorNew insulation throughout New sheet rock ( 5/8 fire wall for exterior living room walls, kitchen and in stair well) New 6 panel doors throughout with all new satin nickel hardware New 6 panel Steel Front and Rear Entry Doors New plumbingNew HVAC system( all electric got rid of gas) New ThermostatNew lights New Hot water heater New kitchen layout ( removed half wall to open up to living room, built alcove for fridge to increase floor plan) New white shaker cabinets with hardware, countertops , fridge, stove, range hoodNew LVP throughout New Carpet in bedroomsNew bathrooms ( vanity, tub, enamel over steel tubs, tiled surround, vent fans, vanity lights, faucets, low flow toilets, shower heads, and actuators) Added 1 new window in each kitchenOther units: ( completed in 409 B and 407 D ) other units will be rehabbed once tenants move out New LVP in LR, BR, Kitchen and hallwayNew Carpet in BedroomsNew six panel doors/ hardwareGlazed existing tub/tileNew shower hardware Low flow water options ( toilets, shower heads, actuators throughout) New water heaters ( 407 D) Replaced AC 409 A ( it was 28 years old) New Fridge 409ANew Fridge 407CNew Stove 407 A Painted stairwells ( versatile grey) had attractive/durable commercial grade carpet installed on stairsInstalled new lights in stair well and motion sensors in 409 Installed Motion Sensor Flood lights on all the cornersInstalled Video Cameras on problem areasHad Duke Energy replace old lights with brighter LED on two poles Installed keypad entrance for both exterior stairwell entrances Cleaned/ repaired other AC units Fixed any issues with plumbing as neededFixed any issues with existing water heaters Installed new black shutters on both building Implemented quarterly Pest Protection Installed raised landscaped beds for 407 ( parking lot facing) Installed new Numbers for both buildingsPainted all exterior doors black installed new hardwarePainted central mailbox black We are still actively repositioning this property and will have another two tenants moving out end of this month ( September) but the property has generated enough profit from the other units at the increased rental rate that the business will be paying for these upcoming turns.

It's designed for Driving for Dollars-style prospecting, but I like using it for automating mailers to pre-foreclosure lists (which you have to get in-person at the courthouse in Idaho).

But I am in contact with a couple of agents that have me on their automated listings.