[scottmandue]

Being a landlord is like driving a Hyundai, nobody likes it but sometimes it is what you have to do.

We share garbage cans, I have had good luck with renters, I usually haul them down to the curb and they bring them back (not required by me just something they do to help out).
We pay utilities, just figure it into rent. However in your case you may want look into separate meters.

Huge, huge, huge is filtering you applications... credit check, proof of employment, etc. I think someone here said if you get a chance walk them to their car if you can and check out the interior. If it looks like a pig sty you know your rent is going to look like that.

I do my own pest control but our biggest problem is ants, I'm handy and try to do light repairs but I'm lucky to have a neighbor that is a construction worker and does some of the heavy lifting when he is not busy. He just did kitchen counter tops/sink/painting for us. Our renter just moved out, nice little old lady that played balalaika in a Russian fold band (no, I'm not kidding) and we have a VP of a software company lined up to rent the place.