Anyways, that helps me make decisions, and softens the blows when I don't always get what I want.

Totally fine if you can continue to fund for say 5-7 years, but as we saw in 08/09, lots of people expected endless price appreciation and when rents softened they were washed out (how I bought my MF).  

Recently I dropped down to the 3% since I felt the market might soften and I didn't want tenants leaving because the bump put them over the market.

I would think as the higher price homes start to appreciate better we will see a slight softening in the lower price range's appreciation since it has been on such a steep increase for so many years now.

I'd say the biggest fear is softening up; not sticking to your guns when you know the right thing to do, but due to apathy, avoidance of conflict, etc not doing it. 

Like I said, I don't usually allow tenant to get behind, don't know what happened to me, I am not a soften at all, but I guess for the right person, you can make an exception.

We have tried softening the clay with both mineral spirits and vinegar, but are still not able to remove the complete pad.

Regarding the exterior, is there anything in the landscaping that can be done to soften the "looks" of the driveway?  

I own 17 rental houses in Houston and I feel slight softening of the market lately.

These are including (but not limited to):Exterminator / Pest control: $37 monthlyWater softener maintenance: $10-35 monthlySeptic waste removal: $250 every other year.There are a couple other minor expenses, but none that would affect my bottom line.