The generalist while helpful might miss some key things that affects the out come and performance of your property into the future. 

Asset management – Making the right decisions to improve the financial performance, while also improving the resident experience at the same pace.

I was thinking of rock, bushes to hide the fences that aren't ours, and a smaller grass patch.  

There is a permit to perform work, which is what this front door permit is, I assume.

The locals are in these REIAs  know where the good / bad / higher performing areas are.  

you can always cancel if he gives you the full rent payment.start the process, and keep it in motion until he has performed. 

There is a big difference between a loss on your schedule e vs how the property is performing from a lender's point of view(due to depreciation).

Hard Money still costs you money and if you can't perform, they get the house.

Try this scenario:You offer for sale w/o a contract or titlea buyer makes the as-is offer all cash for your priceyou accept and take the Earnest Money Deposit (forming a legal contract)30 days later, you still can't get the property under contractThe buyer now sues for Specific Performance (aka forcing the purchase) but you don't have the contract or title.That's FRAUD buddy.

@Nicole MichaelYou should always perform a title search before the auction.