Additionally, since you need a contractor's W9 or SSN to issue him/her a 1099, you can have some assurance that the contractor is ethical and operating a real business.

So we were going to fire him, but he assured us he'd have it done by Tuesday (this was a Friday).

We hold our tenants accountable for the actions of their guests and invitees as regards to compliance with our rental agreement.

They are pretty sure there are no easements and assured me the contractor cut a lot of corners and lost his license.

I believe that surveying these resources will give you confidence and some assurance that this is a wise investment.

I should add our last step - DOCUMENT AND SHREDWe keep track of applicants who were qualified based on our requirements, when the app was received, who we provisionally accepted, etc to have a record of our compliance with fair housing laws.

We don't want late fees, we want rent payment compliance.  

Finally, let me assure you that in the state of South Carolina a Landlord can not bring "visitors" (as you called them) through the house at any time, even if they are buyers.

It is something that says "This document speaks for itself, no oral assurances".

. =) There are also options to write the policy on a grandfather flood zone if that applies or "built-in compliance" again you need someone that knows how to write these policies. there please know there are options.