With both of these types, the tenants typically do most of the specific build out, with landlord only required to provide the basis like bathrooms, lights, HVAC, etc. 

Hi guys, I have a question for you: My prospective tenants gave me a phone number for their previous landlords.

Flippers only want to flip to make quick cash, find a buy and hold investor [look to existing landlords versus flippers].

@Sasha Josephs i have been long distance landlording for quite a while now. rehabbing outside of my local area was a breeze to be honest. i have a team i can trust and i just made phone calls and checked on progress when necessary. if i was in the area, i would be there swinging a hammer until 3am everyday. for me, i am better off far away. i have not done any local rehabs. i flew back to the area once, maybe twice, to check on things. i did not fly back to just check on things though. the trip was always for other reasons and i just popped by because i was in the area. if you do not trust your contractor while you are away, that is your first problem. nowadays, we can send pictures and videos very easily. that is all that i need. 

Charging tenants for repairs probably wouldn't stand up in court but I know a lot of Landlords do it.

15 year old fiberglass tubs can crack with normal wear and tear.....they do have a finite lifespan.....often longer than 15 years, but it depends on the quality of the materials and the set up..... but they can also be beat to hell and crack from doing something stupid.I think the big issues is that they noted the issue 4 month ago and didn't say anything........ and now the damage may be far greater.What does your lease say about tenant notifying the landlord of damages or issues at the unit?

In that ESA case, Chen (landlord) won.  

While on section 8, can your landlord have you pay for the sewer bill without you having signed the new lease agreement?

He is great and exclusively represents landlords. 

As for self managing, see if you can find a local land lord group.