He warned me to never tell my room-mates that I owned it otherwise they will take advantage of me, he gave me a lot of great advice.

As well as checking local ordinances.Please share and advice or warnings through your experiences

And since you asked, what needs to be done to get your product out there is not to send 30 people into a forum to dispute a random question asked by a user where a couple of "gentlemen" tried to warn new investors not to trust another shiny object where they tell you on the site that you get a discount for doing a video testimonial.I don't have to be right, which is another sign you didn't read the comments and are another harbinger of REI Reply sent here to try to "turn the thread around."

for all of you 401k 403b self dir ira reits mutual funds your already getting f*ck today and will continue too in the future wall street LOVES 401k's that should be your first warning!

The dogs are sweet most of the time but they require strong pack leadership, a ton of exercise and can be triggered suddenly and without warning.

I do agree with getting a judgement, which would be a warning to future landlords and may allow you to recover funds. 

(He is not likely to move in—this is one of at least two rentals I know he owns)Just seems like he had the advantage of early warning.

Plus, like you said, it could serve as a warning to other landlords and if you actually collect anything well that would be a bonus. 

I will be taking heed to these warnings.

I'd warn you to not reveal that you're the owner for your own safety and I'd suggest for you to be as hands on as possible to learn as much as you can!