And with 4-5k of cash to play with, do you think that would be enough to get started with one small flip or rental?

Are there different rules at play if I can show the house has realistic rental potential?

(play good cop-bad cop with them, so they feel you're on their side).

Offer to work with them, but I would definitely play the "I don't have any money" card.

We told her upon delivery of the portable heaters, and one more time the heaters draw too much power to be on the same circuit and should be spread through the house.Any advice on our responsibility as a landlord, and how this may play out if we go to small claims court?

That's really the only in and out play on a $300k rehab.

I'm not promoting doom and gloom, but I am pointing out that for me 1) alternatives to SFR investments exist, 2) opportunity costs analysis tells me that other sectors (small commercial) may result in greater long term value/returns, 3) economic assistance packages for development in tier 1 counties exist, 4) substantial demographic shifts in tier 1 counties may be in play today.

This is where hiring an experienced housekeeper will come into play as they should already have a reliable system in place.Most housekeepers will be able to handle back-to-back bookings.  

Real estate is a hard field to play if you don't have any funds, or access to any funds.

I'll play devil's advocate though:1.