I have a gardener that mows, edges and trims the trees at my properties, and just recently one of my tenants was complaining about weeds growing in the flower beds and a vine that was becoming unruly.I now make it a point that the tenant understands, in writing of course, what the gardener is paid to do and what the tenant is required to do.One another note, I have addendums regarding, "smoke detector & fire extinquishers", "Info regarding Renters Insurance".

This includes gardening, exterior painting, plumbing and electrical repairs, pest control and any other expenses or regular maintenance that affect the entire property.

There's a new residence in Olbia, the resort is located in a place of significant environmental value bordering the 2 above mentioned protected marine areas of Tavolara and Molara, and La Maddalena, and is walking distance to a white sand beach.Ground floor units are equipped with both a garden and a sea front entrance.

I thought I'd be opening a pandora's box.I must say, though, a recent news story on NBC about a garden at the white house, and the boom on growing your own;http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#29803183and noting that there hasn't been a garden at the white house since the "victory garden" of WWII, does make one stop and wonder.Ralph

We want to manage it ourselves and pay a gardener and a handyman to take care of everything on that end.We understand that there may be instances when the handyman isn't available and we'll need to head to the property - not a problem since my work schedule is very flexible.Is there a reason that I should not manage it myself from that distance?

I would try to find rental comps in your area (Zillow,MLS,apartments.com,etc..) that specify if the apartment is in a home, garden apartment or is a single-family home.

The house sold, the new guy comes in and says he's going to put coin machine laundry in the unit (which was never mentioned), and is in the process of digging up half of the yard we were told we'd have in order to put in a new garden. 

Garden City has been  the biggest surprise here lately.

I did business with Spring Garden Lending one time and had a great experience.

(Market rents are conservative $1150 for original finishes unit, and $1300 for a recently renovated, garden unit (let's assume I will be living in and not renting out for a $1000 market rent that it can attain)The purchase price is 335k with a 3% closing cost credit.