I will add to Dannics list.

5. Check references with an agency you pay to do this. Don't believe what their references say when you call. You have no idea who they are. We actually had a woman who pretended to be one of our tenants current landlord.

6. Don't rent to a relative, unless you have a very specific written and notarized agreement, and even then I would think twice.

7. Put in the lease that any changes to the property or painting must be approved by you. One tenant said the trees needed trimming, which was okayed and instead she just cut them down.

8. As said above, and as much as possible, allow them to make the place their home. That way maybe they will stay longer and be really great tenants.

9. Do pop in at least once a year, but also as said above, not without a week or two notice. After they've been in a couple of years, and you are generally happy with them, you can probably stop this.

10. You will probably have a grace period for the rent. Once the grace period has passed and no rent has arrived, start the eviction process. Do not wait. Send them a signature required notice that you are starting the process. It varies from area to area as to how hard it is to get people out, so you need to familiarize yourself with your local laws and processes. And don't wait until the worst happens to do that research. Know your rights and know their rights before going into a contract.