However, we've never actually filed a claim, so take this with a grain of salt. 

At another property with just the sidewalk I let the tenants take care of it, but the liability of these steep stairs makes it too important for it to be haphazard or me having to scold them to shovel and salt the walk and steps.I know in snowy areas people with houses contract plowing for the winter at a flat rate.

You can use bat insulation or spray foam, which has the added benefit of giving you an air-tight seal and also keeps the bugs out. 

My cleaners take a video after every turn, my team goes in to check everything is good after cleaning and record salt and PH level logs and I have a licensed plumber who is in charge of maintaining plumbing, water heater, and boiler system with logs.

The very first day that a tenant is late, a Notice of Default needs to be delivered to the tenant (you need a receipt of delivery; if you hand deliver it, place it in a sealed envelope with their name on it marked 'urgent/confidential' and take a photo of it placed on their door). 

I am not an accountant though, so take my input with a grain of salt.

As for published lists of the “newest and hottest” markets, I would take that with a grain of salt.

Take it with a grain of salt as safety is subjective.You could also ask your Realtor and property manager their thoughts and maybe next time they are in the area to take photos.

The letters need to folded, inserted into the envelope, sealed and stamped.

I am in the salt lake area!