Seeing his success planted a seed in me that would help encourage me to start investing in real estate myself.

It is we who will ultimately suffer because all we will get is mediocrity should government regulation be forced upon us.When industries are deregulated, prices go down and the consumer benefits. 

  - All three maple trees in the front yard (planted by the builder) had died in the last 2 years.  

A light went off somewhere in my brain ( I do not remember the exact location) but a seed was planted.

Once the seed of doubt is planted, it takes a lot of time for the PM to build that trust back up in me so I am able to fully trust them.Quality of workCommission percentageThe amount that I pay my PM is based on what I contract with them for their services.

You're going to need to make that thing look brand new, and how much money you need to put into it will determine whether you leave it and rehab it or you rip it out and plant grass or fill it in. 

He basically had to give up his life to care for her and his credit suffered.

Do their properties suffer in their absence?

I'm the type of person who like to plant all my rentals at my backyard within 5 minutes to 20 minutes distance.

Trust me, I've suffered both symptoms.