Hey BP, I’m in need of some suggestions! We have our first tenant turnover since beginning this househacking adventure back in August of this year. The tenants have completely moved out & no major repairs are needed *luckily. We’re still in the process of figuring out whether we should go with an online option such as smart moves or cozy, or if we should create our own application/system & request the necessary criminal & credit background checks a la carte somewhere- any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!. Additionally, what kind of questions should we be asking before even setting up an appointment? I disclose up front the 3 times the income to rent ratio & that a we’ll conduct criminal/credit background checks. But other than that- what other important information should I gather prior to setting up a showing. Thanks!

The tenants are out the place is vacant your biggest cash drain is time. Return thier deposit and start setting up showings. smartmove or cozy it is 6 of 1 half a dozen for the other. i would just have a paper application so you can get started.

Pittsburg will have a local landlord's/apartment managers association.   Join that.  Hopefully they will offer rental forms either as a subscription service or priced by the each.   Use those.   If no such service is available,  find a local attorney who does that kind of work and buy the forms from them.    You should make sure whatever forms you have are designed for your area and compliant with your area's laws,  else they could cause you a lot of trouble down the road.    Unless those online services have rental agreements that are specifically vetted for your area I would not use them for that purpose.

I've found my best tenants from Facebook posts in local community Facebook groups. Good luck!