Home Depot makes a $40 weed whacker that uses the same 18V battery I have in my power drill, so the frustration associated with maintaining it is minimal.I would second the wood chips, fake grass, and would also throw in pebbles or gravel.  

Check with the public works department to find out if city sewer, water, gas and electric are available for a new built.

If the plumbing/electrical etc.

Simply get a Power of Attorney from the seller to be able to access bank accounts regarding that particular property only.

I've used someone on Yelp for a couple of appliance fixes and a family friend who helped with an electrical problem, those have been fine but there isn't a system in place to easily route problems to solutions.My question is, for DIY landlords out there, how do you assemble a list of service providers when you first became a landlord (e.g. handyman, plumber, electrician, etc)? 

Remember that after filing, whether a summary probate or a formal probate with full IAEA authority or limited powers, your seller will be solicited by others (maybe even me!).

@Jerry Powers Welcome to BP active status.

If you need to get info from the bank try getting Power of Attorney for that property only.

And I'll definitely look into those books, I have about 10k and counting in the bank now to get started, I'm most interested in duplexes or "live n flip" houses I work in constitution so I'd be doing it on the side, and I have plenty of help from carpenters/painters/ electrical friends

Have a Powerful Sales Day!!