Get your foot in the door by offering a commission above market, like 4% of the first year's rent.3.

Keep in mind the neighbors may know who it is that's reporting them if they haven't been turned in before and all of a sudden they're getting citations and the house next door to them just changed hands, but that shouldn't stop you from cleaning up the block.I'm sorry you're dealing with this, at least they aren't your tenants but still a big issue.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases.

That's why you do have to hold a certain standard for what you will and will not do or replace.

@Jonathan Greene Welp, as a realtor, I have no problem knocking on the door of the neighbors and getting all the T!

So I ended up investing in Detroit proper and built a 12-door rental portfolio.

At 7 doors it's not necessary, but of course software can save you time, especially if you grow.If you plan to scale beyond your current size, I would echo other folks above that you should look into one of these more robust software solutions sooner than later (re: Buildium, AppFolio, RentVine, etc.)

The other good news is you ca use the rents of the other units as income to qualify so you can essentially qualify for a higher home price.That sets up your next investment property as you move out its now a 2-4 unit with multiple doors bringing in more income. 

Nre kitchen cabinets, updated bathrooms, new doors and trim.

I lived next door, growing up it belonged to the original homesteader, a little old lady named Thelma.