Also if it is within distance for you to do so there is nothing preventing you to drive the neighbor and take a look at the property current state and take external pictures for yourself without disturbing the tenants unless you are and out of state buyer to the property.

It is a single family 3/2 built in 2020 that will be cash flowing roughly $500 a month after all expenses.I would like to invest this money into an emergency fund just for this property and grow that fund to $10,000 before I start putting this $500/month into a different account.I want to prevent this emergency fund from being eaten up by inflation, while also protecting it from taxation in the event I have to withdraw for a big cost (ex new roof, air conditioner, etc)Could anyone recommend a good place to park this money?

I mean, this post in networking in a way but going local will prevent some yahoo in Texas commenting on who to use. 

I see that a lot of the condo laws prevent STR's. 

Nothing at all that I'm aware of that would prevent you from doing this.

If there is an HOA that would also likely prevent this from happening.

The city cant prevent you from building something that is legally allowed.

I would have a small patio or deck of some sort outside of the door to prevent dirt from being bought in. 

Just want to get an idea of the best preventive maintenance steps to take for the winter months, thank you!

Just want to get an idea of the best preventive maintenance steps to take for the winter months, thank you!