Any locations that may fit my budget and provide a decent return?

Yes, it is typically normal unless there is an agreement with the accountant where you will pay him to go through all your receipts, sum up the amounts and categorize them.It is confusing from your post because it seems like originally you mentioned not having your income and expenses properly categorized but in the end you mentioned providing it to him.

Always happy to provide guidance to a fellow investor!

I'll start setting those chats up to hear what valuable information they can provide

I'd like to make tenants responsible for lawn/yard maintenance and provide a self propelled push mower.

300 or 400 would be ok for a smaller house.You can provide You Tube TV for cable and local channels so you don't look too cheap.

This can trigger unfavorable tax rates when the property is sold, plus there are potential loss limitations, transfer issues, distribution problems, etc.  

He has already submitted an application through Zillow, and we have the contact number of his current home manager.Please let me know if it's still a good idea to ask the potential tenant for a recommendation letter from their current landlord, or if calling the manager would suffice.By the way, what should we do if the tenant has simply provided a friend’s number, and the friend pretends to be the landlord or property manager, or if he just make fake letter?

My goal is to come up with a way to avoid interest payments as a buyer and/or a seller while still providing or receiving financing.

Thank you in advance for your time and any help or tips you can provide.