That is hit or miss even with a strict contract. You never know what kind of house tenant you'll get until they either are or are not a bust. Then you have to consider costs for maintenance and other incidentals that the tenant may or may not be responsible for.
It works better if you don't live too far and/or you have reliable family and friends in the area who can check on your property and answer more immediate concerns.
My parents did the long distance landlord thing and BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...*taking a breath*...BOOOOOOOOOOOOO....
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From the SigmaTo the K!
Polyamorous, Pansexual and Proud of it! It Gets Better