More points of entry and access ought to result in a more resilient economy, but it can also play the other way - by having so many small operators, each could be loathe to part with his/her money, meaning that the system can freeze up pretty easily because of the lack of well-fortified employers that can absorb economic shock.

Some banks call in commercial loans and freeze HELOCs when the value of the real estate declines.From reading stories in the business press, many "rich people" in 2007 were not so rich in 2009 after being forced to sell their illiquid holdings at fire-sale prices during the 2008 meltdown.

After two hard freezes, there's so many pinprick holes in the pipes that it's best to replumb the whole house with PEX. 

obv minis would be better but also more expensive.I have this worry that a tenant gets in there and the doesn't fill the oil, then they use space heaters and cause a fire or pipes to freeze.

I think folks have to get over this... those price points are not coming back.. unless the same issue that caused them manifest themselves again.. a total Credit freeze...  

You should take into account the expenses that go along with it, taxes, insurance, are you going to keep the utilities on you will need heat if you don't want pipes to freeze or you will need to winterize the property, if you are financing you will have those costs.

Not super hot in summer to coast, not freezing in winter.

I'll be thinking about you as we head into deep freeze here in Iowa.To your question, what's worked best for us is Craigslist listings with a link to our rental property Facebook page. 

You need dry weather to paint and usually above freezing (on the paint can).

As of now, there is a 1400 permit "freeze" which expires next year, but could well be extended.