@Karen Seguin, it all depends on what you are trying to convey to your tenants.At minimum, any welcome letter should provide updated contact info for maintenance requests and mailing address for rent payments, and if the legal notice address is different than lease, include that.This can also be a good way to politely remind people of any general rules that you expect them to adhere to.  

Investors in general, tend to be more active at the end of the year from what I noticed.

However, termites can be persistent, so a regular maintenance plan could add peace of mind and prevent future damage.For example, your pest control company’s plan charges $995 upfront for termites and $22 per month for ongoing treatment.

Also wondering if you've noticed any difference in booking success when using shorter leases?

You do not need permission, but you should give 24 hours notice (or more), and enter during reasonable hours (e.g. 9am - 6pm).Contact the tenant and tell them when you will be there for the repair.

I sent them a text with an informal notice that if I don't hear back from them about the changes in their arrival plans and don't receive the first months rent by tomorrow I will presume they no longer plan on taking possession of the property at which point I will make a formal legal notice.

Ensure that you issue the necessary notices and keep thorough records of everything!

it will be an education.The overall recommendations for an attorney are still valid, down the road have on ready and have them send the notices? 

And whoever makes the payments on the mortgage could stop, resulting in a notice of default, leading to foreclosure…making this a risky situation for the wife to be in.  

I've noticed homes 30% larger than mine are paying about 1/3 of my tax amount.I know I missed the appeal window.