I'm sorry but these same 'investors' / landlords are likely not going to be here for much longer with that thought pattern (will likely find their foreclosed properties on the market soon).

The article is about the history of real estate market cycles since 1800.... and the pattern it takes.

You will see most people behave with a pattern.

This has been a pattern for about two months now.In the meantime, they're having no problem getting people out there to make random fixes to things like "a door broke (and costs $110 to repair)" and "a male adaptor had to be replaced (for $280)."

if there is no nusiance or illegal activity or pattern of dangerous behavior, I am not sure what the landlord liability is?

The Austin market continues to stabilize and return to its typical seasonal pattern.

The key to this strategy is understanding that there is no guarantee that past patterns/returns will repeat themselves (as we all know, there are NO guarantees in investing and anyone who tells you otherwise is selling you snake oil), but the strategy allows you to factor in numerous variables and create the plan that allows for the BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE of success based on your individual needs.

They use same key pattern for all their foreclosures. 

Clean, on trend neutral paint colors and replacing anything with a yuck factor...eg, old lady pattern tile above cooktop can be covered with bohemian Middleaatern style tile decals for an immediate pop of trendiness.

If the property performs well over a period of time and you are comfortable with the pattern you see, you can use the capital for something else.