Beginner tip: don't lease in late fall or winter
...if your property is in an area that gets really cold.
I had a tenant leave my Memphis property at the end of October, they trashed the place and I had to do repairs. After waiting for a repair company to be available, completing the work, and getting the place prepped for showing it was December. Holidays and cold meant that I didn't get the place leased until today.
In the future I will do my best to get leases signed earlier in the year, so when I have tenant turnover I can be showing in summer when people are most likely to be looking for a new place.
I know this advice is not for everyone, but it's at least something to consider.