I get the feeling these properties are what is "leftover" once the cream of the crop properties have been hand picked and purchased.

That will help, although I would crop the picture so it doesnt look like a screen shot!

I know immigrants are not lazy (as Trump suggests) and it's this drive of doing better, the inner spirit/hustle that keeps a constant new crop of smart young kids, from top universities from around the world, to move here (and yes, its difficult, ageism in the Silicon Valley does exist, so developing a side-hustle, is important as we age)... that's why I enjoy listening to Bigger Pockets!

Sometimes newbies don't get the creme of the crop.

These are recurring costs.Soft costs are costs that crop up when you least expect it, lol.

I am not sure what could crop up at that close of quarters, but if you have written policies (lease or house rules) you could explain that your lender (or insurance or partner) expects you to follow the no modifications to unit, no pets, no smoking, no guests over 48 hours without approval, one vehicle, written policy.

Baseboard, door trim, and doors (not plaster or faux-plaster ornamentation) are supposed to be gloss.

And seeds to grow crops are more valuable than gold. 

Do they have enough $$$ in reserve for any issues that crop up?

If you don't have any of those, sell those that are in rougher areas and keep the cream of the crop.