This way they can say that all these homes in that area have been sold for so much per sq. foot when the lot you could be looking at is extra big or has no trees, is not in a Flood Zone etc. on the positive side.

We have a pending permit in Yucca Valley (near Joshua Tree).

A tree near a sewer line will still likely find a way to break into modern plumbing, etc.Again, good to be aware, but when I read things like this, I can't help but see the inverse of "modern homes have no issues", which is not true, either.But to add one: box gutters.

Also, its hard to see the forest for the trees (am I making money or not).

I've never tried it but check out Lending Tree maybe?

Tenants that are unwilling to sign leases with such detail is a huge "red flag" anyway...why would you want a tenant that doesnt agree to not park disabled cars in the driveway or keep the noise levels down for their neighbors or trim around trees, mailboxes, landscsaping when they mow the lawn?  

I have heard stories of people that have had dead trees fall on their properties and do damage that the insurance company would not cover because the owner failed to do maintenance (cut down the tree) and the damage was foreseeable.

If a tree or limb falls and takes the lines down, we are personally responsible for the repair.  

Approximately 25 trees greater than 10" in diameter on 1/3 of an acre plus overgrowth.

Some of the larger places in town are a maze of phone trees where I can't get status updates or questions answered.