If, according to your local laws, the unit is considered abandoned you are usually ok to change the locks and begin looking for a new renter. typically this may included removing all items, leaving keys on counter, or canceling utilities, but it may vary state to state.

I used them once, it took about five or ten minutes.

@Virginia Hellen Five months is a long time for anything to happen...even a small leak.

The biggest downside for me is not having MLS access to gain a faster understanding of the market (fully examining sales in neighborhoods, quickly comping properties when they become available, etc).Based on both approaches, I'm biased toward having the license but also knowing when it's best to utilize an agent to achieve your goals.

The minute someone is on pain meds legal or illegal .

You could have five different taxes or so in Harris county....county, cit, school, hospital, and maybe community college or others.Always close at a title company so they will help you collect and pay off the taxes and any other liens.This is a perfect opportunity for you. 

My husband and I have five investment properties.

There are two exceptions: Nonqualified use does not include any period of such use that occurs :(1) any time during the five-year period ending on the date of sale that occurs after the last day of use as a principal residence, or [ Meaning, of last  5 years, if you  rented a property of last 3 years does not trigger non qualified use, but in the last 5 years, if you first rent for 3 years and then move in for two years as a primary residence, 2/ 5 years is non qualified.](2) any time (up to two years) that the taxpayer is temporarily absent due to change in place of employment, health, or unforeseen circumstances. 

Never pay utilities for your tenants.3.

The details:Location: Denver, Colorado located in very hot real estate market in an excellent location within 2 miles to downtown.Land cost: $475,000 currently with small 900sqft home on property Mortgage/holding cost: mortgage is $2800; I will be renting home on property for $1750/month (so I will be paying $1000/month out of pocket holding cost) while we go through the permitting processPermitting process: estimated to run 6-8 months in Denver before build can beginLooking to build five, 3-story townhomes on the lot, 1550 sqft each (about 500 sqft per floor), with detached covered garage in rear of lot for four of the units.