Even part-time or low-pay work can give you experience, build your network, and prep you for your first STR.

There is not much else they can do here other than driving by it everyday, which I doubt 1) they include that in your agreement or; 2) you would pay an extra fee for them to do it. -- This happens in many homes around the country whether they are managed or not, whether they are for rent or not, whether they are for sale or not. 2) Damages: "I had to cover the rehab costs myself due to winter conditions and the risk of frozen pipes."

If the tenant can show that they're trying to pay you with reasonable efforts, the judge may give them extra time to try to make the payments. 

The optimal amount can depend on factors such as the unit's age, systems, and forecasted repairs or upgrades.Additionally, some investors set aside an extra 10-20% of rent to cover maintenance, capital expenditures, and potential vacancies, in addition to their cash reserves.

He's Still Paying the Mortgage on His Ex-Girlfriend's $350K House—And Has Zero Legal RightsA viral financial horror story exposes the dangerous pitfalls of buying property with an unmarried partner—and why legal protections matter more than romantic trust.A recent YouTube short from financial content creator Caleb Hammer has sparked widespread discussion about one of the most costly mistakes young couples can make: buying a home together without proper legal protections.The story, which has resonated with thousands of viewers, centers on an unmarried man who contributed to purchasing a $350,000 house with his girlfriend, only to discover he had zero legal ownership when their relationship ended just months later.https://news.yahoo.com/news/finance/news/hes-still-paying-mo...When Reality Hit HardThe relationship deteriorated rapidly after the home purchase, with the couple breaking up after living together for only a couple of months.

The tenant is most likely not going to be paying you it will be nationwide so the rent is basically guaranteed.  

They protect your wallet.Oh, and +1 on stashing extra tile.

I make my leases 12 months though and make the students pay for all 12 months regardless if they are staying in town for the summer

While paying more is no guarantee of better service this is on of the last places to be cheap. 

I'm thinking of paying that and my other debts completely off.