Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

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Here are a few areas we like to recommend to investors: Cheviot/Westwood“Stable” sales market with predictable rental income and stable tenants.

Section 8 can be very profitable if you know what you're doing.I strongly recommend getting some training on section 8 policy in your area - like @Deb S. says, contact your local housing authority for workshops & training on how to work with them.

What are some strategies you recommend to avoid Saturday check-in or check-outs splitting the weekend? 

Can anyone recommend any agents in the Bronx/Westchester area?

If you have not managed property before, I recommend working for a property management firm first to gain some experience.  

but - i would recommend not starting with a fire damaged property for your first one. 

I would recommend consulting a real estate attorney before you start whipping up leases that have terms like that. 

At the end of the day remember they are the real estate professional, if you don’t agree with the property manager and don’t feel that they are working in your best interest then I would recommend that you terminate the services.