Again there are exceptions, but I would say the HOA neighborhoods seem to be cleaner, neater, more uniform, more organized. 

Those issues are uniformly a result of improper installation and/or maintenance.

I ordered some motion-sensing alarm systems for the 5 vacant units I have right now.  

@Ben I.I am not a lawyer but as an associate real estate broker I wouldn't think that the seller can legally sell their home if there is a lawsuit in motion.

Fair Housing requires that you have rental criteria that you apply uniformly for all applicants - you must treat all applicants fairly and equally so. 

I wish there was a more uniform policy on utilities, but you get used to it.

Definitely neutral paint with co-ordinating mouldings - white or off white, crown moulding really changes a property so go for crown moulding in the great room if you can unless it would clash with the style of the property - for example if you are going for a modern, minimalist aesthetic you don't want moulding to contrast you want the neutral tones to be uniform across the whole space.Class Cs: the same as above applies but tone down the price tag: choose neutrals, don't waste money on up market appliances just instal new clean lookalikes - buyers in this market want the property turnkey so they don't have to renovate as long as the kitchens and bathrooms are modern and attractive they will be satisfied but you do want to choose your aspirational feature - as many as you can afford within your budget .If you fix everything that's broken, you paint and replace outdated bathrooms and kitchens and your exterior is attractive and clean you have won half the battle.

This keeps the uniform look, if you concrete on top of it you won't match the color and texture!

mode=newI've never tried searching in NC before, but I have had luck going to the tax assessor websites for various places and going through the motions to pay a tax bill for a particular property address. 

Too late now, things are in motion that can not be undone.