I am writing this post in December in Wisconsin.

One is a big deal, the other is nothing.If you have a property manager he should be handling all this while you enjoy your xmas.

This is where I am at now.I have been writing this post for a few hours now. 

I am at this writing currently selling a 35 acre tract to a big developer who is converting the local golf course here in Oregon that was zoned Open space.. they have been successful in getting the rezone..

Like you said, every time you visit family, you can check in on the properties and now the trip is a tax write off (consult your CPA). 

Some buy to park money, others do 1031 exchanges or they simply buy them for a tax write-off. 

What the customer "expects" and what you are getting paid to do should be in writing .

However, I enjoy the more operational side of flips and would like to grow my business out of state to increase flipping volume and have less competition in finding deals.

Was able to receive in writing that I am good to rent the basement.

Generally speaking, my landlord-tenant attorney encourages use of these forms rather than writing up a custom agreement.