Avondale is street by street but for the most part is going to be C class (or worse).Similar to @Alex Bacon, i have optimism about the area improving over the coming years and have recently been thinking about picking up some multi's. 

I am looking for some references on a Real Estate CPA in the Delaware/MD/VA/DC Area to help me get on track for optimizing the benefits of running a STR. 

We definitely could have done better managing/optimizing/marketing which in today's market plays a HUGE role in how a property performs. 

Hi Caleb, you should be VERY involved with an accountant as they are capable of identifying areas  in your financials that could use improvement and work with you to keep your money going in and out optimal and clean.

Due to some changes in my life & family situations, I'd like to gradually move towards more passive income & optimizing for time with family.

Information that I currently have:Unit Configuration:The home is divided into three separate one-bedroom, one-bathroom units.Two units are located downstairs, while one unit is situated upstairs.Interior Condition:The units have not been updated recently and are currently rented in their current condition.HVAC:I was told by another investor that viewed the property they  had not see any central heating or air conditioning units.Given the absence of central HVAC, I'd like to gather insights on potential buyer considerations, alternatives for providing heating and cooling in individual units, and any impact this might have on the property's market value or rental demand.This information provided by the owner/listing agent:Rent Roll:Unit 1: Currently at $450 with a planned increase to $575.Unit 2: Currently at $575 with a locked 1-year lease.Unit 3: Currently at $650 with a locked 1-year lease.Security Deposits:Unit 1 and 2: $200 security deposit.Unit 3: $650 security deposit.Utilities and Expenses:Tenants pay all utilities except water, which costs approximately $75 to $100 per month.I'm curious about best practices in managing utility costs and if there are strategies for optimizing water expenses.Repairs and Maintenance:Recent major replacements: roof, water heaters, and plumbing lines within the last 2 years.Condition of the Property:The property is priced low due to the need for interior work, primarily cosmetic.Any expertise and advice would be immensely valuable as I consider this investment opportunity.

You should consult both an attorney and a CPA/tax-professional.The attorney will help ensure that your assets are protected, and your tax professional will help ensure that you receive optimal tax benefits for your specific business plans.

And, you get two free meetings with me to help set up initially, as well as an optimization call towards the end of your first month to fine-tune based on your own results and data.

My investment $$s and time commitment have considerably increased over this time period, and I'd like to optimize my tax position. 

The work orders you receive from Appfolio can be placed on the CMMS, but you also have the features you are looking for: materials warehouse, time tracking of projects, tracking of spare parts used and in stock, tracks the maintenance man in the field, will help you optimize workflow, keeps your policies in the field, contains every system of every unit in one place and creates automatic tickets i.e. for the annual HVAC inspection, air filter changes, etc.Nobody here can give you a shopping list that will make you more efficient.