I have been researching other investment options (outside of real estate) to see what else is available.FOR EXAMPLE: I saw an ad for 'My Constant' (www.myconstant.com) P2P lending service that claimed at least a 10% ROI with secured returns for investors.

They claim it's super simple and the easiest way to get into real estate.

Have the tenant execute a hold harmless agreement whereby she assumes complete liability for the actions of the pet.If all this is completed, then I would allow the pet to stay but require the pet be on leash at all times outside the unit and that the dog be restricted from other areas as well (children's play area, etc.).Your concerns are real when it comes to liability:  "Dog bites accounted for more than $400 million in homeowners' insurance liability claims in 2010 -- roughly a third of total liability claims." 

They claim to be the ONLY ones to be Google approved..

You are on your way up steadily to claim your throne at the top!

I wanted to see if it is common to have an insurance policy increase this much without claim and wanted to get advice on whether or not we should be looking elsewhere.

If you own multiple properties, you can “insulate” each property from liability claims by setting up separate LLCs for each property.

It's those maniacs that buy homes cash via quit claim deed off of craigslist that really get screwed.Make sure your property manager is a licensed real estate brokerage.Understand you can not eliminate all risk, only mitigate it.

It's those maniacs that buy homes cash via quit claim deed off of craigslist that really get screwed.Make sure your property manager is a licensed real estate brokerage.Understand you can not eliminate all risk, only mitigate it.

I've only had one claim in over 32 years but the cost would have been about $20,000 if I had paid all lawyers fees for the year it took to fight the bogus claim.