That was 6+ years ago and to my knowledge he has been cleared out and the neighborhood is clean once again.

You have a green lawn and aren't upset about it, the tenant doesn't have to pay a water bill and everyone is happy.  

So, my question is: What are professional STR managers are doing to keep operational, maintenance, and cleaning issues to a minimum and everything running smoothly? 

As I've been progressing through David Greene's Long Distance RE Investing, I find myself still getting cold feet when it comes to reaching out to professionals in these areas of interest- he makes it sound so easy! 

Los Angeles has 900 miles of alleys that could be reclaimed as green conduits for pedestrians and bikes.

Shouldn't be an issue as long as no problems with title.A Quit Claim deed doesn't guarantee a clean title, but you could still have one.

Since the romex has a ground the metal handy box is required to be grounded with the small green grounding screws.

Waht other areas did you look into before locking in on this mountain region in NCDo you already have a cleaning crew in place for cleaning in between guests Lastly, how did you manage only 10% down.

Unless that was your plan already I'd clean it up, do some painting/minor repairs, and get it listed ASAP. 

You wouldn't expect the bank/rental car company to call you and say "hey, the car is too dusty, get it washed, or you have too much junk in the trunk, clean it up."