It can be awkward having to tell them to keep it clean so you just set ground rules in advance.

Third, you aren't saving money or doing yourself any favors with DIY management.

This is helpful, I've defintely been respectful, I've been helping her out with a lot of the tasks that are part of cleaning out the house and supporting her with additional information via Google as she is in her 70's.

why I have to help them clean it when its their fault for not cleaning the fridge. next complaint is rodent dropping, I see in the backyard there is whole bunch of rice in the backyard which the tenant did and trying to lure the rodent to come, now that I know they trying to get me in trouble.

Although if the clean up amount is less than the attorney fees, maybe work something out with the neighbor financially, and get your dirt back maybe.Good Luck!

Plus more wear-and-tear on the house and more cleaning to do (and pay for).I prefer @Bradley Buxton s idea of adding more amenities instead.

Previous owners created a DIY nightmare.

Historically, most DIY landlords have bought Class B or C rental properties, that cashflow immediately, or soon after being properly repositioned with higher rents.

If you really mean that all 4 of you are on title and mortgages for both properties, then you may want to look into methods to clean up title, if you desire to separate from each other. 

I also jJust ran a report for "total rent" (w/o cleaning fees & taxes) and while the 1st QTR(Jan-Mar) trailed lower, all my Smokies properties exceeded last April's total rent except one was lower by $98.