Simple fixes; get rid of the shrubs, add shutters, some flowering plants, some kind of decoration over the garage door - those big stars seem to be popular in suburban areas, one or two patio chairs and a small table on the porch, simple stuff like that can make a big difference.

Cigarette butts in the flower beds and parking lot are tell tale signs.  

It's much easer and safer and profitable to do things in compliance, avoid unnecessary risks, not doing screwey things to flower up a deal or just paper it up.

Send a card, maybe flowers, his estate will probably assume the contract, expect it to continue until the end of the term.

Combine that with some long term tenants, and things like planting flowers and dressing up the property, many neighbors don't know if they are rentals.

Flowers

I also look for evidence of cat digging in the flower beds and feces there (although those could be from stray cats) and cat paw prints on the hoods of vehicles.

@Daunte Flowers is a colleague of mine that is working in Montgomery as well.

Then when we fully get it going, I am doing the buying and flipping (well the RE Agent will not me lol) but for the repairs seeing here in Washington I have to have a General Contractors License anyways (even if I don't do the work on the house) we decided to put our hands in, she wants to do the Landscape, she don't like the way I do it lol, but the end result I basically get it done my way she just thinks she got her way, unless its planting flowers or something.But that is mote and not really related to what you're saying.

@Alex Flowers Welcome!