The roof looks good but I need it checked, and I will also need 2 large trees removed and desert landscaping done front and back. 

Generally speaking this is why usually the landlord is responsible for lawn care and other common area expenses because getting tenants to do it unless there is some incentive will give you the "tragedy of the commons" where nobody will take care of certain areas.But with 14 rentals at that point I figure it is probably more cost effective to sign a service contract with a landscaper to do it all?

Pools have to be covered, landscape or important planst/flowers/gardens have to be protected, etc etc etc. 

We added plumbing, appliances, landscaping, and furniture Lessons learned?

We also painted the exterior, did lots of landscaping work, and installed a new privacy fence giving each unit a private fenced back yard.

Improvements included foundation stabilization and house lift in corner ~1.75", complete landscaping overhaul, 1 complete, 1 major and 2 minor bathroom remodels.

Real estate investors are always looking for decent electricians, plumbers, contractors, landscapers, pool builders, you name it.

Any suggestion which option I should chose based on current housing / recession landscape?

But, depending on the property you’re buying, you may not need to review every single one of these (this is where a real estate agent or broker can be helpful as well):Population and job growthHousehold median income trendsAccess to public transportation and amenitiesNeighborhood and school rankingsUnemployment rateCrime rateBusiness openings and closingsNew development activity that could help or harm your intended investmentProperty value trendsFair market rent trendsPercentage of renter-occupied householdsMarket vacancy trendsGross rent collectedMaintenance and repair expensesUtility expensesProperty management, leasing, and advertising feesInsurance expense including past insurance claims, need for flood insurance, and the cost of homeowners and landlord insuranceProperty taxes and potential increase due to change in ownershipProof that any sales tax collected on rent has been remitted and is up to datePhysical property inspections including structural and mechanical, wood-destroying organisms, radon, and lead-based paintTitle commitment on the property and legal descriptionMost recent ALTA (American Land Title Association) surveyZoning or use certificate for property in rural or unincorporated areasNew survey, septic report, and well water report for rural propertiesPhase I environmental report for property near industrial areasHOA covenants, conditions, and restrictionsHOA financial reports including P&L and balance sheetReview of seller financial statements including a copy of the seller’s tax return to verify income and expenses are true as reported to the IRS going back two or three yearsReview of tenant file including the lease terms and conditions, deposit amount, tenant application, and background and credit checksCopies of existing service contracts such as landscaper or current property managerList of all outstanding invoice and proof of payment for all work recently doneLien search to verify there are no existing worker’s liensHistory of insurance claims on the property going back three yearsVerification that property appraisal is for at least the contract purchase price if not moreCompare your pre-offer pro forma analysis to the seller’s reports to make sure the deal still makes sense.Good Luck!

I can be bias but I would pick Columbus vs anywhere else in Ohio :-) I'm happy to jump on a zoom with you to provide you with Columbus investment landscape so you can compare with your Akron properties before you make decisions.