I do think that I may have to hire an agent to find and screen to tenants, even though I'd rather not spend that money either.

We go through the pile, pick the best, and screen.

Heck, I've found them sharing cable tv & Internet!

I saw an ad on TV the other night by HSBC Direct that was advertising 3.5% APY on a savings account.

I grew up in a construction family and worked in construction for 5 years so I have a good working background of doing most home repairs.Like others have said if your paying a contractor $50/hr to do maintenance on your property that you are able to do just so you can sit and watch TV, that's not being very cost effective.

I would just make sure to screen the heck out of these folks, since they will be living with you.

Screen your tenants just the same, you wouldn't let drug addicts in if they were paying the bill themselves would you?

I dont't know a thing about her, but I saw her on tv maybe a year ago.

I called the tenants and they screen my calls.

Many landlords will offer some type of “incentive” to get people to move in… i.e. 1 year lease, with the 3rd and 9th month ½ price… (if they pay on time) etc.Offer a free Dell computer or large TV on month 3 (if they pay on time)… etc.