@Maria Wilson I have been using ResidentResearch.com for years and have never had any trouble with them.Credit, criminal and eviction are one one report that is $26 foe each person.I think they have an online application but I like the hard copy with the tenants signature and vital information should I ever need to go after someone for non payment.

I know that being out of state it is vital that I find a strong property management company and a good realtor that works with investors. 

A buyer's agent doesn't cost you anything, it adds a layer of protection, and they can act as your advocate.

In my opinion - use the paint to cover blemishes and hide ugly, outdated wood (like red oak), just don't layer it on til it looks like a wedding cake.

Tv has become more vital than AC. 

This gives you layers. 

My main contractor wants me to rip out and replace all the doors (8 of them) and surrounding trim, as well as take out the crown molding and baseboards which are very old, outdated and caked with layers of paint.

After removing the glue residue (primarily with a scraper tool), some areas of the concrete were damaged and I had to patch-repair those in order for the concrete base layer to be level before laying the new flooring.

We have combined 5 separate tax lots into one, large 100x150 lot and managed to qualify for the vital and expired NYC 421-A tax abatement.

Implying that adding an extra layer saves you taxes is simply wrong.