DS#3 did 15 out of 40 Annual Inspections this weekend. Reinstating an old policy that we never fully implemented in the first place. He used a pre-set list of things to check.

Here is what those inspections taught us:

We pick excellent tenants YAY!! Almost all places were cleaner and less cluttered than our own, nicely decorated, home-like. We knew this as DH is in most of these places over time, but we never catalogued it specifically before, with photos and such. It was always just his overall impressions.

It of course did generate a small list of TO DO items as it was intended to - replace a smoke detector here, add a fire blanket, tub handle could be replaced, etc.

For me, it generated a huge sigh of RELIEF that we've officially been inside, we've checked under sinks, we've documented condition. Some tenants confided in DS that they really appreciated DH's prompt response to repair issues so good for him, nice to hear that.

ONE place failed. Older male tenant having health problems - his adult son was given a key to help him out. It's clear Son is now living there - and he's a slob. Fast Food beverage cup overturned on laminate floor - damage right in the middle of the floor. Clutter and crap as you might sometimes expect from two guys living together - okay. Then SURPRISE! A PUPPY in a crate. NOPE NOPE NOPE we do not allow puppies ever. Sent him a 24-hour notice, this morning he says son has found someone to take the dog. We also sent him an application and said we need to do background check on Son. We'll see how that goes.

We scheduled using Buildium's Community Calendar, and DS sent individual texts as well - people could choose to be there or not, but the day was set in stone. Some were there, some were not.

This was well worth doing. If you can't or don't want to, this is definitely something that can be hired out. Brad20k has suggested weekend warrior RE agents? Maybe a teacher? Someone trustworthy who would like to make a few bucks on a weekend now and again.

Congrats on all of that!

Proving that you chose right to begin with has got to be a great feeling.

As for the adult son drama, that's a shame. Tenant knew the dog was not allowed and probably realized that the slob son was going to cause issues as well. But at least they didn't try and hide it from you.

So in the case of the mystery puppy are you going to wallet train or is the 24 hr notice enough for you? I had a tenant bring in an extra dog. Didn't say anything to me. I was outside talking to her mother, who had the first dog with her on a leash and I could hear the new dog inside barking.

I told them they had to get rid of it within 24 hours. They are. I don't want a puppy on premises regardless of finances - we love puppies who doesn't but a puppy sitting alone in a crate all day is no way to raise a good puppy. Plus they piddle, poop and CHEW.

And of course, it looks like a pit.

Kudos to you for keeping the biz with in the clan!

WMH, by wallet train I meant were you going to charge them for the short time they had the puppy?

I see now that you gave them the ultimatum.

Interested in what DS3 finds when he follows up.

I am in the same situation as tryan. Neither of my kids want anything to do with the business. Well nothing to do with running it. They like the money but that's it.

What my boys learned watching and helping DH over the past 20 years is that they DO NOT want to be plumbers, roofers or electricians or carpenters or septic people or landscapers LOL!

We scared them off of ALL hard manual labor. They've all dug ditches, hauled water heaters, slid around on roofs, chased down leaks, ripped up floors...They are all willing to do what they can to save money in their own homes and are grateful for the bits of knowledge they have gained for that - but none of them wants to have "tools in the truck."

They do want to know how to manage the properties - so they can afford to hire the necessary help.

Ken, I am helping the kids now, while they need it. I plan to die with just a little money in the bank. Spend it like I stole it.

I am sure there will be things to help them monetarily when I pass, but I am not making that my goal.

I get a special feeling knowing that I helped them out.

I can't do that when I'm dead.