There's so much bad info and just poorly informed opinions on the quality of skip trace services it can be difficult for someone to know what's legit and what isn't.   

I’m based in Alabama and, I started with spreadsheets for financial analysis and many browser tabs open... trying to figure out the school quality, factors that would attract renters, stuff like that.... rental comps etc... , then trying to mash all of that into a halfway decent analysis.

Financial distress: late on mortgage, behind several months, back taxes, etc.You are a problem solver for these situations.Whatever method you use to find these people, stick to it, stick to the same method for at LEAST 6 months.

Is it reliability, quality control, pricing transparency, or responsiveness?

Louis right now•Any tips on property management, tenant quality, or appreciation potential•Areas to avoid vs. areas with strong growthMy goal is to build a solid buy-and-hold rental portfolio, so any guidance, local knowledge, or lessons learned would be greatly appreciateThank you in advance 

You set the payment method, not the tenant.3.

This lets you buy quality homes or small multifamily with less risk and solid cash flow, even if values shift.

The goal isn’t “cheapest maintenance,” it’s removing yourself from the decision loop without losing control or speed.A few honest observations from managing across multiple markets:Home warranty plans (use cautiously)They sound like what you’re describing, but in practice:Response times are inconsistentVendor quality is hit-or-missThey often deny or delay claimsThey reduce some admin work, but they rarely deliver the speed or reliability tenants expect.

As long as you are covering your expenses when you leave and rent it out - that is usually a win.Focus on: 1.location - strong location means stronger appreciation, stronger rent demand, and higher quality applicants.2. layout and features.

I used binder method to raise rent and we came up with 800 a month and I gave her 90 days to decide weather she could find somewhere cheaper or if she would like to stay.