Yes, the good ones make it look easy...Thankfully, I have always been constantly learning and improving my skills so I can prevent problems for my clients. 

Did you inspect the property regularly to prevent things from getting out of hand?

This step prevents us from wasting money on inspections if the seller is not willing to adjust the price.

How can I prevent them from listing the home? 

As a hard money lender who works with many investors in the Portland area, I can share some insights on maintenance costs for multifamily properties in this market, though individual experiences may vary:Lots of investors report a slight decrease in maintenance costs during winter months, bc of:- Fewer landscaping needs - Less wear and tear on HVAC systems (as heating is generally less intensive than summer cooling)- Reduced tenant turnover in winterWinter-specific issues can arise:- Potential roof repairs due to heavy rain or occasional snow- Gutter cleaning and maintenance to prevent water damage- Heating system repairs or maintenancePortland-specific factors:- The mild climate helps reduce extreme weather-related maintenance issues. - Older housing stock in some areas may require more upkeep. - Strict local regulations can also sometimes increase compliance-related maintenance costsCost-saving strategies I've seen help:- Preventative maintenance programs can help reduce overall costs obviously - Some investors report success with in-house maintenance teams for larger portfolios- Energy-efficient upgrades can help reduce utility costs in the long runYour specific costs will depend on factors like the age and condition of your properties, your management style, and the specific neighborhoods you're invested in, but hope this helps!

The damage to the sheet rock in the basement wasn't bad, and I set up a bunch of fans and ventilation in order to prevent mold from growing.I went to check on the first floor apartment to see if there was any damage and luckily there wasn't.

Does this limit only hold true to prevent buyers from unnecessarily getting credits when there’s no documented need for repairs?

Ceiling stains, which can indicate leaks from above.9.

My agent is not annoyed, I'm just trying to prevent that.

In fact, it’s even easier to justify it with short-term rentals because if you indicate that you plan to rent it out to someone long-term, that would obviously prevent you from being able to use it as a second home.