Another real cost is holding costs while not being paid and damages to the property--and by damages I don't just mean retaliation, I mean deferred maintainence, pet damages and crazy decorating choices which is what I mean in 3) above...losing control.Also, an owner held mortgage, even seasoned, is not very liquid and if interest rates go up, even less so.  

Scratches will show & if a person had pets that's bound to happen.

Angela, we do not do inspections prior to move in, but if we need to shuttle paperwork, have pets to meet, or they need extra attention, we always offer to meet at their current home so we can be a bit snoopy.  

I will definitely seek a real estate agent, but in the past getting them to run comps around here has been like pulling teeth.

However, if you are new at this these are allows good to cut your teeth on.  

I'd like to cut my teeth with a mentor, like almost anyone would.

However, if you are looking to getting into development, you are going to have to cut your teeth eventually.  

For example, you place the ad and start getting calls and I always ask these questions:- When are you moving- Do you have any pets coming with you- Do you make 3X the rent and have verifiable rental historyYou will weed most out at that point if they do not match your rental criteria.  

I have never met the actual tenant.This is what I have from the broker that is assisting with my tenant placement for this property.Background check results: none foundCredit: No credit score, no debtEvictions: NoneIdentity: Confirmed, valid SS#Income: VerifiedNo pets, only one occupant

Pet Fee.