Tell them you will give them  $10-$20 discount per month if they helps you keep an eye on it and you will give them a $100 gift card 12 months from now if no more fines.  

At least upgrade to a spreadsheet and start tracking things the way your CPA wants.With five properties, I would consider moving to a CPA firm with staff and more than one set of eyes on your books.

Or, a place where lots of new houses are being built might give you an indication that its an opportunity zone or in high demand.Smart Steps to TakeLook Back in Time: Use Google Maps to flip through images from different years to see how things have changed on and around the property.Spot the Signs: Keep an eye out for things like construction activity, nearby abandoned areas, traffic velocity to understand how things have developed over time.Predict the Future: Knowing what’s happened before can help you guess what might happen next.

I think overturning some of them will include getting some of the nearby lots to vote on it as there is a clause stating that that's allowed.The thing that scares me the most is regarding the stylistic stuff -- there's a clause stating -- "The homes shall be harmonious with and reflect the exterior design characteristics of these homes already erected on the property" and that combined with -- "it should be lawful for any peron or persons owning any real property situated in said tract, to prosecute an action or proceeding at law or in equity against a person or persons either to prevent him or them from violating these covenants or to recover damages for such violation"My RE lawyer friend said that its such a broad clause that it could potentially open you up to getting sued if a neighbor really wanted to depending on the stylistic choice of your home.

Check out the Strategic Neighborhood Fund.The city is also currently getting ready for the NFL draft which will bring more eyes on Detroit.

If you are starting out investing in real estate, you will have a lot less chance of failing by keeping your eyes on your investment.

I would recommend looking into a property management company if you are going to invest out of state, simply due to the fact that property management can be your eyes and ears on the property and would have local experience that you could benefit from.

An eye opening thread.

I love looking at thousands of properties to find the true diamond that catches my eye.   

You will get more eyes and it is where this kind of post belongs.