1. sure. check county's tax record
2. very low vancancy rate. rent to students. I have another house near university. no rental loss.
for safety, deduct 5% .
3. I cut grass myself, once a year (AZ is not like other states. Not much rain, no snow at all).
4.hehe.. sure. this is incentive. If someone wants to be fair. ok. split the cost. Tenants pay security deposit. if they damage the house, I will deduct from the deposit. Students (especially grad students) are not going to risk their credits with this thing.
5. I agree.
6. Unless someone has all the cash so that we can bid in cash. Otherwise I need someone securing the loan (I am almost reaching what 如山 is, I am difficult to qualify for a loan due to too many), each party pay 50% of the downpayment. both party hold the title.