Friends

As a result of landlording and the dilemnas associated with said occupation; I have made so many new friends over the last few years.  I know the County judge and his secretary by first name.  The Chief of Police in 4 towns,  all the mayors and city secretarys in each town I do business in.  I've met the Summons Server Officer, the dog catcher, and members of the fire department.  The tax accessor and county treasurer.  Met several attorneys in and out of court.  I know building inspectors for the occupancy permits.  I know other landlords and their maintenance crews.  The guys that work for the electric companies,  the people that turn the water on and off.  the neighbors to each one of my properties.  My kids accuse me of knowing everyone and refuse to go to Wal-Mart with me because it takes so long to get out of the store.  The more people you know the easier to screen your tenants.  Many of these people will gladly give me a reference on prospective tenants.  At times that even prevents a problem for me.  Just think, if I hadn't had properties, I would have never met these fine people!

"It's not what you know but who you know".  I think that there is some merit to that phrase.