This does raise repair costs as the homes require extensive repair but part of that is mismanagement by the previous landlord. 

Even still, he has extensive background with investing and could offer some of his expertise. 

The only way you avoid this is collecting cash or check.

Our advantage is that the students are already prescreened and all of them have education loans, so no problem with rent collection. 

Our town generally sees 10%+ appreciation every year since it’s a very desirable school district. we would like to be able to sell each side of the duplex individually to collectively be able to sell them for much more money.  

So, instead of a flat fee, offer a higher percentage of collected rents. 

Hey everyone,Starting in my house hack first property and would like to know how you collect rent.

Me having extensive background in waterproofing I ended up just doing it as it only costs me actual costs not the costs of hiring a contractor.

Considering this is such an expensive repair, if you get any push-back, I would let them know this will end up in collections if not paid.  

However, my tenants just renewed their lease, so I'm looking at another year of collecting easy rent checks.