Another thing I would be concerned about is renting the 5 apartments in a timely fashion.  

There will still be some who apply who have a reason for automatic denial - they are willing to gamble that the landlord won't check them out ...But the answer is still yes - that way you are operating in an ethical fashion; those who have a reason for automatic denial should recignize that they are better off going elsewhere, and if they don't they can't say you never told them up front about why they would be declined automatically. 

I used an old fashioned receipt book that had a carbon sheet in it, so I'd be making a copy for myself at the same time. 

In no way fashion, shape, or form is it a good idea to keep these people.

Of course I realize the old fashioned save save save and for me this is not a problem.

I'd rather know ahead if a problem may occur so we can plan proactive ways to avoid it.Responsiveness: Being an out-of-state investor, it's important to me that communications are continuous and that the property manager respond to requests in a timely fashion.

Christopher,I would recommend a warm off white or light beige for everything, with maybe 2 accent walls in the whole place in a fashionable color.  

I am kind of a old-fashioned guy who is using Excel to do all the calculation and book-keeping, I think it's time to try something new.

Popcorn ceilings really fell out of fashion in the 1980's.

I would go to college and study money in some way, shape, form or fashion.