I agree with the advice on this thread. You're better off stomaching the vacancy and filling it on your own terms the first month you take possession. Speaking from experience, the unit shows better when it's vacant and not with existing tenants' furniture. Asking existing tenants to tidy up for...

Depending on who you talk to, you can ask your buyer's agent for a kick back of part of their commission for using their services, to help you with your upfront costs. Some may agree to do it, some won't. Of course if you do, you run the risk of them giving you less than stellar service. Like...

Most lenders will require a signed lease agreement, or if the unit has not yet been rented, an economic rent letter from an appraiser. Rental income is counted differently depending on how much you're putting down. If you're putting less than 20% down and have to insure the mortgage, lenders...

Is your investment property in your locale? Sorry for asking the obvious, but are post-dated cheques not possible?