From what I have read, most internet "gurus" suggest putting each property into its own LLC, 123 Main St.

Anybody can market a set of trust documents on the internet. 

Frankly I think this is just the way it is on the internet - people expect everything to be free, and don't really want to pay for anything.

However, the rapid rise of the technology sector in the Reston area has sparked them to double down on their bets for continued strength of the office market in Reston Town Center (the D.C. metro area has the 3rd highest density of tech talent in the United States and 9th in the world, especially markets in the Dulles Toll Road Corridor like Reston, where 70% of the worlds internet traffic flows through and is home to companies like Google, Oracle, and Microsoft).

What other expenses are there (snow removal, lawn care, internet, utilities)?

While the wealth of knowledge and experience on BiggerPockets is wide and deep, I would not trust a decision like this to the internet, I would ask you CPA and if you do not have one find one who specializes in this sort of thing.

It’s not explosive growth like dallas or the rest of the Texas triangle but you have a billion of other investors hunting for deals.

Search around on the internet or possibly if they’re friendly at the local town offices and create a list of group home providers.

Don't give up and stay on the hunt!

You can buy something like a cheap Arlo camera system at Costco and pay for the Internet connection in one of your units.You could ask law enforcement to do routine drive-bys or safety checks.