I'm not saying to be naive but set up safe guards to maximize production where possible and try not to let guys front load projects where if things dont work out you get stumped. 

I work at an medical device factory but currently I am deployed overseas for the Indiana Army National Guard.

replace your tenants with guards dogs for a few weeks. 

People share quite a bit when their guard is down. :-)

Really did not need a ton of updates but added new washers and dryers for each unit, a new sump pump and gutter guard system throughout the 4 units' basements (not a drop of water since even with the heavy rainfall and snowfall the last 2 years) as well as a radon mitigation system which surprisingly has interested a lot of renters.

I take care of safety issues, guard rails, handrails, locks, Sensors, fire extinguishers mainly so I won't get sued.

Reason being due to some miscommunication about my active duty status I have now essentially given myself a deadline to have a job offer lined up before the 30 days are out for proof of income for when my active duty orders end and I switch back to regular National Guard.

In particular, unexpected expenses tend to catch new investors off guard; that’s why it’s a good idea to know all of the expenses you may be confronted with over the course of ownership.

Caught them off guard LOL.I don't believe in filing any encumbrance with the clerk of courts UNLESS you have given the seller money directly, or in Jay's case, paid back taxes.

Looking at buildings, talking to security guards, networking, asking people to keep their eyes and ears open for me, etc.