They'll probably also want to be sure that you are competent to operate the property afterward, because their reputation is tied up in who they do business with, and it's bad for everyone if the property becomes devalued.

I think it's a bad investment.

It cost him a few hundred bucks, but she was happy, and more importantly, he didn’t have to deal with an expensive lawsuit or bad online reviews.Here’s what I’d recomend doing:Check Your Legal Standing: Since the fence isn’t in her lease and not part of the surveyed property, you’re probably in the clear to remove it.

Property management companies and contractors are the people in your business who make or break you.I will send you a private message to refer you to a property management company that is doing good for me.Don't let the bad experience sway you away from real estate.

And Northpointe is criminally bad. 

Nights, weekends, holidays, etc.To keep this on-topic, though...DO figure out what's healthy for you to manage but remember it's a process where every experience teaches you good and bad (and be patient with that process).DON'T sweat the small stuff (damage/costs under $50, undisclosed dogs, etc.) but DO find a way to learn, prevent, put in better practices to maintain your sanity. 

Sadly there’s a lot of bad actors out there peddling similar courses and schemes.

You may want to first explore cities that you are already familiar with.Think of cities where you grew up, went to school, like to vacation to or see family.You will have a better idea of what the good / bad parts of town than a brand new city that you are unfamiliar with.Best of luck.

Gas heat would require constant tank refilling and it would be very bad to run out in the winter.

Not too bad when the inventory is low, the number of sales is low (like a 30 year low), interest rates are high and prices are high.