Most rental stress comes from things that were never set up. Four systems we run on every Orange County unit:

- Put it in writing. Lease, house rules, and every request and answer in writing. Memory is not a record.

- One repair channel. One way for tenants to report repairs, a reply on a set clock, and vendors lined up before you need them.

- Same rules for everyone. Written screening criteria, applied the same way to every applicant.

- One clean file. Rent ledger, notices, photos and receipts in one place, so tax time and any disagreement are easier.

Which system saved you the most time once you put it in place?

General information, not legal advice.