The only issue I have with this is that the lady I was referring to is not very mobile, so even that will be a tough one for her, especially in the freezing Wisconsin winters. 

If there is room in the budget for a porch I think its an excellent idea but even a small, nice perched awning would add a really nice accent and make the front much more 3D(see attached image below)

Don't really need to so long as you have proper bookkeeping.Assume they don't put their name on the deposit slip:1) If the tenants paid by check, a lot of banks shows a softcopy on the online system, so you figure out who paid based on the check image.2) If both pay cash AND they are the same amount, the easiest way is to ask the tenant to send a copy of the receipt (using smartphone) to your property manager, who will then forward to you, so you will know.To be honest, once they know that you ask them every single month, they will self-adjust one way or the other.

That's also where I get all my leads from as well and when I do that I can automatically save my leads to my contacts so If I get a call I can just look them up and their property info is all there.That's a good reference however to call about 10x.

The current owner has referred me to someone from whom I sought a proposal.  

I wasn't referring to those as the question was about family living and standard land trusts.

@Brian Kraft you should visit my blog on early termination for future reference.

So - the 15% vacancy you refer to is economic + physical?

Good evening BP,I'm hoping some of you might have a good reference or two for a CPA in the Bay Area, CA (Oakland would be even better) who has experience working with real estate investors.Thanks in advance!

When contemplating hiring a contractor check with BBB and references and thier current project go see.