I actually used to have a game modeled after Monopoly that was called Slumlord😂 same type of antics with buying property, maintenance cards, dealing with code enforcement etc… Bought it at a real estate convention 

In my shoes, it would be hard to credit a client for a decision that could have saved you $10k+ in damages, especially when it wasn't something that went to our firm (like management fees or an in-house maintenance contractor).

What type of interview do you do with existing tenant(s) to ask them about maintenance issues?

:Initial investment:€3,000.00 – Rental contract, First, Last, Security Deposit€3,056.68 – Furnishings/Consumables€1,308.03 – Taxes/LegalTOTAL – €7364.71 Average Monthly Gross: TOTAL – €1820.33Average Monthly Operating Expenses:€127.25 – Utilities€191.10 – Taxes, Maintenance, CapEx€289.15 – Management€1000.00 – Rent (*See Master Lease Strategy) TOTAL - €1,607.50Average Monthly Cash Flow - €212.83Est. months to break-even - 35 monthsObviously, there are a lot more details (challenges, wins, etc.) to this story.

However, there are lenders who offer more flexible terms or even no prepayment penalties, depending on the deal structure and your investment strategy.To find such lenders, here are some options to consider:No Prepayment Penalty Loans: Some lenders, often private or portfolio-based, offer DSCR loans without prepayment penalties, though the trade-off might be a slightly higher interest rate or fees.Yield Maintenance or Defeasance Alternatives: Ask about other prepayment structures like yield maintenance, which can sometimes be less restrictive depending on market conditions.Custom Terms: There are lenders (like us at Phoenix Funded) who can structure loans tailored to your needs.

How can I best prepare for managing two rental properties, including handling maintenance, vacancies, and tenants?

We had PM teams that ran, on average, at 2x staffing for sec8, and FT maintenance staff supplemented with PT and outside vendors.  

.- It's impossible, given the daily little decisions that have to be made dealing with tenants, maintenance, paperwork, cities, etc.So, how much control are you really willing to give up?

Alternatively you may decide not to address the capex but be prepared to deal with high frequency maintenance requests with duct tape repairs. 

Maybe you don't know how to differentiate between ordinary maintenance and tenant neglect/abuse?