While I plan to manage the first few rentals up until I get so big or just plain get tired of issues I want to setup an easy process for now.

A survey will also show wetlands, flood plains/ways, possible easements you are not aware of, etc.

I am not suggesting you waste their time if you do not have an existing relationship with them.You could also use transfer records, but you would have to identify houses that have a rental unit in them.Other than that, 2-4 unit houses are going to sell based on comps, plain and simple.  

I've been looking to find a multfamily rental in Jersey City, Southern Westchester (Yonkers, Portchester, White Plains) or some parts of Brooklyn and Queens (hard to find!)  

Way back, I started with Peter Harris’ podcasts and “Commercial Real Estate for Dummies” book because he explains in plain English some of the fundamentals before we can get fancy.

Warren Buffet said something very plain but profound - "Don't lose money rule."  

While the added value coming from renovations is essential to bring rents to market levels, the bulk of the return would likely be a result of plain appreciation in property value.

May I suggest, It might be better for you, as owner, to have a landscaper put in what you want, (as close as possible to original shrubbery) and charge the tenants for the bill, assuming they were not given permission, and have in fact, damaged your property.Do NOT let them do it themselves, and do NOT let them suggest you take it out of their security.Either of those cases:  got to court, get judgment for damages and lost rent (if any) and get them out.People, especially some tenants, are just plain weird. 

I believe a per day late fee is wrong,Id do a  flat fee of $50.00 if not paid by the 3rd and basically just plain file if they don't pay in full by the 5th.

Simply looked at 6 different competitorsWe see that the heated 5x10 units and the plain 5x5 & 5x8 bring in the most revenue per sq ft.