1.) You go and replace the furnace filter. You do it. Once a month. That way the longest some bullshit you don't want going on is taking place is a month.

2.) Get landlord references. Landlords. Not employers, friends, pastor, cousin, etc. Landlords.

3.) Don't give them any room for late rent. It's due the first. If I don't have it that day you have three days to get out before I evict, sucka.

4.) You didn't have a death in the family. Even if you did, you still have to pay rent. (In the 13 months most recent tenants were here they had two vague "deaths in the family" that caused them to not have rent.

5.) Just don't. Don't. Don't be a landlord is my advice. If you're going to anyway, see above. You gotta be ready to Cobra Kai 'em. No mercy.

House is going on the market today. Wish me luck.

(You landlords feel free to add whatever you have for young entrepreneurs in the real estate game.)