You don't waste there time, you bring them a gift a couple times a year and they will have your back.

Then do a 0% down VA for a principal residence/future rental SFR later.Low-down payment financing backed by the govt is one of the greatest gifts to real estate and ROI, IMHO.And yes, have them sign a lease if you do this deal and they stay.

One final suggestion is to bring them a small gift to offset the inconvenience.

I'd recommend a gift from a family member or friend to assist in this.

Samuel - thanks ....I  believe non occupant co borrowers  will be allowed .....and I believe  that gift funds from relatives  will also be allowed ...

As for most of the rest of the posts on this thread - I agree, it's going to be a tough road for all the folks who have enjoyed the market gift of the past several years. 

There is no law that stops you from knocking on their door to drop off a Halloween goody bag or some gift, have cell phone in hand or have someone deliver it with cell phone ready to snap pics of dogs?

Or how you had some crazy tenant that the only way to get them out was paying them with a gift card to the liquor store? 

Because you have a lot of finance knowledge...but more importantly, the gift of filibustering a two minute answer into 30 minutes.

Surprising them with the gift of time and some $ was the type of why I like.