We did rent out our primary home for one year a number of years ago and did not use a property manager--we just called the city to find out what we needed to do legally--but if we do that again, we will absolutely use a property manager even though it's local.

@Sean Dolan it's clear to me that you're ABSOLUTELY speaking outside of your expertise (or you're intentionally trying to mislead the members of this community).If you ever bought any leads in your life, you would know that there are countless resources that provide leads' phone numbers.I will list you a few resources where provide phone numbers so next time you can do your own research before looking like an ignorant person.http://www.zbuyer.com/lp_choose_pro.aspx?

Helps to speak spanish but not absolutely necessary. 

Congrats @Austin Fruechting, I've been reading through your blog as well and I agree knowing your "why" is absolutely essential.

The tenant used to mail her payments and sometimes hand deliver them to my home....which I absolutely wanted to discourage (yes, I need another method for this). 

Hi @Dane Price, Your "Big Solid NO" is absolutely correct.

The furniture itself I can't imagine costing more than 5g, but an existing list of trusted, vetted renters could be invaluable.That is absolutely not even close to a true turnkey deal.

Check out this article in KC Star for more thoughts on this: http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/developmen...Now, if you are a commercial investor, especially in retail, then this area should ABSOLUTELY be on your radar.  

At least pay an attorney who knows what they're doing Agents are absolutely worth it if you haven't done this before and could get sued (no offense but like in your case

The tenant owns absolutely nothing until they exercise the option and close on the property.Otherwise, they are merely a renter and can be evicted like any other renter if they miss payments and break the rules laid out in the lease agreement.