He also doesn't do any any lawn maintenance, or maintenance in general. 

Should I go ahead with planting the hedge, or should I keep the property as plain and maintenance-free as possible?

Personally, I'm hoping they bring on a portal for tenant maintenance requests.

Meaning landlord does not have to fix them.4) Yes, you can usually do this if it states so in your lease.Many PMCs requiring tenants to put all nonemergency maintenance requests in writing and an emergency is defined as something that may cause bodily harm or damage to the property.

They are also pretty low maintenance and have worked well for us.

Plumber Labor for remodel - Maintenance?

I see absurd maintenance/cap ex numbers from a majority of RE investors (even those with modest experience).  

Contract also mentions that lawn maintenance is the responsibility of the tenant.

  $4500 would leave $375/month for utilities and furnishings and their maintenance.  

With 20% down and conventional financing, properties in this market are producing cash on cash of about 10 to 12% (before vacancy and maintenance allowances).