At the Midwest Real Estate Networking Summit last weekend, @Neal Bawa mentioned that at a national-level rents only dropped 2.8% in the deepest of the 2008 cycle. 

since there is no charge for interest if you pay the card off during the billing cycle. like I have always done the last 30 years..  

You should have no trouble finding qualified tenants.Some tips when looking for new tenants--make sure they walk the property before signing the lease and reduce your lease cycle to 1 year.

How is your billing cycle set up?

For a dish/clothes washer, operated one short cycle with vinegar only.It's well known that a refirg should be stored with the door ajar.

Some banks seem to think that the property is going to miraculously improve over time as it sits vacant.  

Its important to get off that cycle.  

There are a lot of other variables such as building a energy efficient home (with solar),  home gardens, access to the internet, and cycling just to name a few.

Hello All,I live in Michigan and I just received my real estate sales person license earlier this year, since this is the end of a licensing cycle (2015) do I need to complete any continuing ed? 

It is important, especially at this time in the cycle, to ensure that the properties perform well and can weather any down turns.