@Zachary Caudill if you can spring for the PM software, a lot of the software like appfolio have a way for tenants to pay in cash at local stores.

Thinking about meeting monthly, talking about the market, what people are buying and interested in.. all from contractors to owners of hardware stores, roofers and everything in between..

-the lot wont sell, and it will be neglected (grass not being cut, etc)-they build a garage or shed and store stuff there.What are your thoughts regarding this ordeal? 

I understand that they charge for their time and effort to go and pick up things from the store....but still. 

Distance adds an element of risk.

You own rental homes, not gun stores or high risk sporting events where accidents happen frequently.

The short answer is that yes, certain categories of retail such as apparel, consumer electronics and department stores, which are vulnerable to eCommerce, have been hit harder than others.  

Again, the BiggerPockets store has some books for this or you can learn by watching podcasts, reading blogs, and interacting on the forum.

I got 2 yr old appliances cheap. storing them in my garage.

Also, I recommend finding a good real estate investment calculator (just search in the app store).