I do write dates on things like smoke detectors and furnaces and take pictures because then I will Know even if I don't write it down right away.

But you need a lot more than just a lease:- residential lease- rules & regs- lead disclosure- smoke detector notice- non-standard lease provisions- pet agreementThey have pdf's but I recommend the US letter size carbon copy paper (not the long legal size paper format) and wet sign.

Regarding the smoke detector, the may be an exception for foreclosure properties since you don't/can't have access. you could make the argument to the bank they must give you access to inspect the smoke detector and do inspections at the same time. how can they give you access if they don't own it?

A well stocked kitchen, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, etc. 

Don't be in a rush, do your homework, do your math all the way to cost of setup including a bottle opener, iron and new smoke detectors.

I started with turnkey to get into REI, but now with a little more experience under my belt, I'm considering selling my turnkeys at a loss and moving on to something with more meat on the bones.Exterior - $225- pressure wash- remove damaged/torn window screens- remove all stickers from all windows- repair hole in soffit to the right of chimneyMain Interior - $825- repair/replace damaged sheetrock- wipe down and clean all walls throughout house- wipe down and clean all doors, trim and baseboards and throughout house- touch up paint on walls- touch up paint on trim and doors- replace missing/broken blinds- replace missing/broken doorknobs- replace missing/broken light switch and outlet covers- replace missing/broken light bulbs- make sure all doors open/shut properly- make sure all windows open/close properly- replace air filter- replace batteries in the smoke detectors- remove all trash from attic- clean and paint all bars and shelves in closets- clean all AC vents and return vents- make sure all drawers and cabinets open and close properly- make sure to clean out all drawers and cabinetsLiving Room - $10- clean and paint fireplace with black high heat paintKitchen - $55- wipe down and clean all cabinets, inside and out- touch up paint on cabinets- paint under sink- tighten loose cabinet hardware- caulk sink, floor, counter- replace broken trim on ends of countertopsLaundry Room - $10- clean and paint inside washer box- clean out dryer ventHalf Bathroom - $25- wipe down and clean all cabinets, inside and out- touch up paint on cabinets- paint under sink- tighten loose cabinet hardware- caulk toilet, sink, tub, floor- tighten door handleMaster Bathroom - $75- paint cabinets inside and out- tighten loose cabinet hardware- caulk toilet, sink, tub, floor- fill in missing grout in showerHall Bathroom - $35- wipe down and clean all cabinets, inside and out- touch up paint on cabinets- paint under sink- tighten loose cabinet hardware- caulk toilet, sink, tub, floorStairs - $20- paint handrail- paint banasterGarage - $25- pressure wash garage floorLocks - $300Yard - $175- cut, edge, weedeat- trim bushes- trim up trees- clean up fencelines- haul off all trash- Remove grass from cracks in concrete- remove all loose limbs and debris- clean out flower bedsFlooring - $275- clean all carpetsCarpet Cleaning Estimate: $275Garage - $100Program two new garage door remotesPest Control - $85- pest control needed: General pest sprayTrash - $350- remove trash at the curbCleaning - $120

Usually this only happens if the appraiser wasn't able to see carbon monoxide/ smoke detectors or did not have access to a certain part of the building and stated it on the report.. 

Regular inspections and scheduled maintenance (like cleaning gutters, checking smoke detectors, and servicing HVAC) protect your investment.Treating it like a hobby, not a businessTrack income, expenses, and receipts properly.

D locations within that market raw materials for the essentials cost the same (lumber, sheet rock, PVC, smoke detectors), the cost to pour sidewalk costs the same, the cost to replace a curb trap or water service line costs the same.

So far thinking things like:- replacing air filters- testing and replacing batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms- carpet and floor cleaning and/or replacement - assessing for leaks and all working sinks, showers, toilets- wall repairs and painting - appliances are in working order- deep clean- change locks and battery -replace all lightbulbs inside and out- minor repairs- landscaping Anything I am missing?