During the course of the 7 years, a caretaker will live in the basement and will maintain the property and perform other duties in exchange for a reduced monthly charge.  

—In all criminal cases, contempt cases, and other cases filed pursuant to this chapter, if a party has sold, leased, or let real estate, the title to which was not in the party when it was offered for sale, lease, or letting, or such party has maintained an office bearing signs that real estate is for sale, lease, or rental thereat, or has advertised real estate for sale, lease, or rental, generally, or describing property, the title to which was not in such party at the time, it shall be a presumption that such party was acting or attempting to act as a real estate broker, and the burden of proof shall be upon him or her to show that he or she was not acting or attempting to act as a broker or sales associate.

I'm actually an advocate for raising dues a little every year as it allows the HOA to maintain the property in an attractive manner to bring in excellent tenants.  

Read about them here: http://www.newair.com/articles/oil-filled-heaters/------HEATING, COOLING, AND VENTILATION SYSTEMS.Landlord agrees to maintain heating, cooling and ventilation systems on premises that are provided by Landlord.Tenant agrees to notify Landlord in a timely manner, and in writing, of any problems that arise with these systems.Tenant agrees to keep heating and cooling systems in good working order and to take safety precautions in accordance with their use, following manufacturer and fire department recommendations.a.Natural Gas furnace system:Tenant will not store items in the furnace closet, except for replacement filters.Tenant will allow Landlord to replace furnace filters when Landlord determines it necessary.Tenant agrees not to block air ducts (warm air output and cold air return) and to pay for any damage to the heating system caused by failure to do so.b.Electric baseboard and wall fan heaters:Tenant agrees not to block the heaters, to keep all flammable materials at least one foot from the heating device and to maintain ample air flow around heater.

its difficult to finance and maintain compliance with state law regarding use of deposits, etc.

I have a few brokers I can be introduced to but I'm curious as to how people maintain their relations and constantly show that they are serious players in this business?

I also own a fair amount of rentals and know the work it can entail to maintain attractive and comfortable living situations for tenants and not be an eyesore in the neighborhood.

Once you have a few hundred units, it's not that hard to maintain that speed on your own, as long as your making good deals.

You must maintain a positive attitude.

Our property manager performs multiple inspections throughout the year, maintaining good if not better condition of our investments and we have been so pleased with their communication and  transparency in comparison to other PM's we have worked with in other parts of the country.