One thing to note, as an "absentee" owner such as myself, I call up AHS after the appointment has been made but before the servicing takes place, and I pay upfront a $100 "service fee" with credit card.

Why not just keep the interest yourself and send them a $15 Starbucks gift card every year as a thank you?

@Paul ZangerFrom my experience, I go on the walk-throughs in my out of state rental on the Section 8 inspection and visit family all for a tax deduction.If you can't see mom, I would send mom to the house and give her a gift card.

Go to your local REIA, meetup group, any gatherings where there are large amounts of people and give out your business cards.

Meaning, you should dedicate one credit card to all buisness transactions and have a seperate bank account.

Get checks and a debit card.

I can add my mortgage, retirement accounts, income, bank accounts and credit card accounts.

Do not beleive a title on a business card because that person may not know more than you do.  

I also just started establishing my credit for about 6 months with a student credit card.

@Neil Schoepp I assume the blog was hinting at the idea that someone who does not have their own finances in order cannot invest, effectively.If you a uncertain about your own financial habits (carry credit card debt, other loans, bad spending habits), then I would recommend getting those sorted out, in order to make sure that any money you make in real estate isn't just falling into the abyss.