The benefit is that over 2-3 months you will start to see patterns and trends that most do not. 

State government is in a holding pattern or shrinking due to decreased energy revenue.

I see same pattern right here in atlanta.I've talked and met with homeowner's who have told me that they're also calling back other buyers from whom they've received postcards., this is driving up prices and narrowing our margins.

Other times you find mysterious holes in the drywall, weird unexplainable carpet wear patterns, or that they were using a teapot to cover a burn area on the laminate countertop.

But I'd make sure this isn't a pattern. 

I have never tried to tackle that exact fact pattern but I am reading a book on this topic you might enjoy.

You may start to recognize patterns or sales trends - maybe start to recognize homes that have been sitting and are ripe for a lowball offer.  

Was this really an accident and your pattern is buy and hold?  

The operating system is too expensive.Also keep in mind the machines do get broken into and the less amount of cash in them the better.Once you have a pattern of use you will learn to know how often to empty them if there are only a few machines.

One agent I talked to said there is no seasonal pattern of rentals in Tampa bay area.