If a rat did die in a wall, the smell is temporary.In most cases:• Odor lasts 3–7 days at peak• Completely gone within ~2 weeks• No need to physically remove the carcass unless it’s accessible and causing an extreme smellMost pest companies won’t tear walls apart without clear evidence either.

So, proper screening is EXTREMELY important!

The best approach is to quietly handle the property as a business.

I have been back and forth between targeting a 350k or lower single family home and house hacking it as the payment is extremely affordable for me even if I can not find great renters/roomates quickly.

Getting a contractor can be extremely frustrating especially if you need to make an offer without even looking at the property.

It's extremely inspiring to hear the success stories of so many who took action to get their real estate business going but as a newbie, sometimes the amount of information and the many ways that people can make real estate work for them can be overwhelming.

Hi @Juliette HolmJames give you a very details inside, this is what I would like to add on his response.Property Selection Caveats (1970s Homes)While the general decade recommendation is sound, remember that every property needs close inspection:Plumbing Systems: Be extremely cautious with houses built in the 1970s.

I believe you would be our most successful student to date.If you spent a fraction of the time you’ve put into posts, reviews, calls, and podcasts into growing your business... the quiet reps, the underwriting, the broker trust, the lender relationships... you might have crossed a billion by yourself by now.

SmartDeeds has been on product that has me extremely excited and interested in where the market will go in the future.   

Maintain a business tone.California is extremely sensitive to claims of:RetaliationHarassmentDiscrimination“Changing rules because of personal issues”Your communication should look like something written by a property manager, neutral, dry, and process-based.7.