I am very strict vetting, long list of 'How to be a Good Housemate' rules to agree to and initial. 

I have an awesome mortgage lender in Atlanta but they have a policy not to loan unless the utilities and water is turned on.

I have a no pet policy in our multi-unit buildings.  

@Jamie HinrichsI am a condominium association manager and board member and the best thing you can do is be familiar with the association's policies - make sure that you give a copy of the house rules the tenants and add that addendum to the lease.

Also if you have LLC 1 which owns LLC 2 , and LLC 2 buys real estate deals, if you have a commercial insurance policy  for liability is it ok to insure under LLC 1 ?

I maintain insurance policies on my home and all my rental properties.

This will help vet those contractors looking to take advantage of folks, in particular since you’re investing from afarFocus on punctuality and communication – did they show up on time, did they return your call/email in a timely fashion, do they keep a well maintained vehicle, do they communicate in a professional mannerVerify IDOnline search of their name and companyReferences with phone numbers, and previous work – call the references, find out the type of work done, does the type of work they’ve done match with what you’re looking forGet a detailed, written scope of work (SOW) along with a detailed, itemized contract – define the payment scheduleHow will the payments be structured –are they asking for money upfront (potential red flag)Hire a licensed, insured contractor that is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau, and the local consumer protection agency; check the license number, insurance policy, and bond.

Does it make sense to buy strictly for cash flow now and balance out my portfolio with equity holding assets when prices drop in a few years?

Hey Guys,I'm strictly looking for someone interested in working on this specific deal.

In 2015 I got strict with myself and decided I was going to step up my game and get out there and do something.