You need to include expenses for lawn maintenance, trash pickup (unless included in property taxes), and pest control.

The hourly rate and added line items are getting out of control for the maintenance costs in my San Mateo properties.

Thank goodness the tenant is pretty understanding that this was something somewhat out of my control.

I'm fairly competent at credit management, but here's what I've learned and offer to pass along:  Monitor your credit all the time and don't let the credit agencies or any business control your credit.  

I had a bad partnership years ago in another business that ended in near bankruptcy after I gave up controlling interest to merge my successful business with two other partners. 

Being a new investor I sometimes am unclear about the relationship between a buyer and the agent and end up giving away control under the pretext of a benefit of the doubt.

Mowing, edging, fertilizing, weed control... sure.

I've used a local pest control person for some termite damaged base boards.

Try to stay in control of everything you are responsible for.

It takes a lot more work but I feel more comfortable being in control of my investment.