This is because the properties are cheap enough that landlords cash flow immediately, and they also get to enjoy the perks of having the college students around.

I really enjoy it, and so does my tenants.

Keep in mind contractors who had jobs bid before the spike got their heads handed to them if they weren’t cost us.  

Go ahead and be willing to put in the money toward a good contractor if you're not doing the work yourself.

I've spoke with the folks over at Abodea, who do offer a scalable call-center approach to HOA PM at quite affordable rates, but we're still missing the kind of local, on-site general contractor/handyman or capital management planning schedules that would be required for proactively addressing homeowner and community association needs. 

Hi all,I have 5 units and will have the ability over the next couple years to scale some.One thing that is holding me back is the time commitment on maintenance between little issues that wouldnt really make sense for a handyman/contractor to do and probably wouldnt take the job anyway to renos/painting/etc between tenants and everything in between.

If you're making a big move like this it would be wise to make sure you live as close as possible to where you plan to invest.Beyond that, simply being open to the idea that you may not enjoy living there and acting accordingly would be my best advice.

Agents advocating waived inspections blows my mind unless your client is a contractor themselves.

It is something my investor clients get for free, because it is something I truly enjoy.

I enjoy helping new investors learn the new programs and loopholes.