I've shifted from trying to economize in everything in life to seeing that oftentimes it's well worth it to pay for the full service experience, no nickel-and-diming.

We put the 20% down, but then life happened.

What a story we can all tell in this journey called life :) 

They are trying very hard to make life impossible for the small guy.

Building relationships with them early is key.For tenant communication and rent collection, tools like Buildium or Avail can make life easier.

If they're delinquent after only 2 months, they're either facing sudden life changes or you did not properly screen them to begin with.

I believe in five years life will look differently. 

Needs all new cabintry, windows, doors, roof (has some life left), fixtures, fencing, some electrical and plumbing changes, and some framing/drywall due to termite damaged sill plate in areas.

During the slow season, do you personally focus on getting more rentals, focus more on family/personal life, or do you do something else?

., and based on previous life experience, I am confident somehow, somewhere, someday, I'll be able to use this information to my advantage.