This is a standard 6 foot tall dog eared privacy fenceThis 2.5 feet of width had 2 overgrowth trees (my side of the fence) I cut them down because I thought they looked really bad and they were growing into my walkway, They were about 10 feet tall. 

The same recommendation from a prior landlord who has no dog in the fight would carry a lot more weight with me. 

My dogs eat their poop, then get sick.  

But again, I wonder if it's better to accept the negative cash flow in exchange for experience and possible appreciation, and then consider the possibility of purchasing out-of-state once I have a hands-on idea of risks and challenges.I mean, I read ALL THE BOOKS when I was considering getting a dog, but a theoretical dog is so much different than an actual dog.

After you find your partner, the first thing you will need to invest in his Kevlar, big dog and just in case a .40 caliber. 

 $140 gym shoes, $200 meals out, offroad tires and wheels for trucks, $100 haircuts for the wife, $150/hour dog trainers etc.  

lol  I understand being busy and perhaps not wanting to spend his time to educate a newbie, but I'm really put off with this behavior that I view as unprofessional. 

As someone with no experience, would it be best to start out as a bird dog?

I hired a "bird dog" in a small town in my area where rentals are hot. $20 for each property but it has to have all current contact info and I won't go over 20 properties each week. $100 bucks extra for each that closes.

Bird dogging might be a good place to start.