Install cameras and exterior lighting on timers, place no trespassing signs, and place items that indicate occupancy - like a BIG dog bowl near the front door, shoes, etc. 

The inspections have become so nitpicky over purely cosmetic items there has to be an extra $1-2k per year to keep up with the punch list every 1-2 years.

Lastly, I make sure that we are double checking and doing proper due diligence - I walk the property and do an in-depth investor walkthrough for them, we do a home inspection, we have a licensed GC to walk and write up an itemized bid, etc.And to answer the last part of your question, one of the hottest markets is Columbus Ohio!

It can potentially be deductible as an ordinary or rental expense, an itemized deduction or simply non-deductible. 

The following are the key items I would recommend investors pay attention to:A. 

One your loans will be a higher interest rate, next you will have annual filings, the cost of a registered agent every year, and items like that. 

These areas have affordable entry points, diverse housing stock, and steady demand.

You're investing in RE for long-term wealth, not a few hundred a month that can be wiped out with one CapEx item.

I think it has been mentioned to move entire centers of Departments "out" of D.C. to midwestern states to get the concentration of power shifted away and more diverse.

Tailor these amounts to the significance of the task; for example:Roofer: $1,000/day (critical to weatherproof the site).Painter or garage door installer: $100–$200/day.Contract Value & Payment Terms:Agreed payment amount (lump sum or itemized costs).Breakdown of payment terms:Deposits.Progress draws.Retainage (if applicable).Scope of Work:Be as detailed as possible.