I'm sure this helps deals close smoothly, but I (and many buyers) would probably prefer to work with independent folks of our choosing. 

All but 1 property has been smooth sailing  for the most part.  

Smooth with the word but that's about where the knowledge stops.

We go in and do the following:- replace smoke detector batteries- clean the filters in the air exchangers- Clean the filter and trap in the dryer- Clean the bathroom fans- Check the caulking on any tub surroundsWe also ask them questions about minor problems that may become problems later on, such as, if their drains are running smooth, is their toilet leaking, etc.  

This piece from a writer and (perhaps accidental) landlord was in the online version of the Anchorage newspaper today.

I currently have 5 new custom builds and 2 large remodels.I am closing up two projects so with the right coordination it can go "smoothly"If I decided to take the job it would be 100% transparent with cost plus at 30%.

Tenant is very smooth talker though.

*I am relatively new to the RE arena and do not know how long it will take to get my game-plan up and running smoothly, but so far (from what I've seen from a lot on this forum and from a few acquaintances in the "flipper" field), the prevailing industry seems to be rehabbing, flipping, wholesaling, etc. etc.Not to say that any of this isn't a profitable approach, but I know I'd rather focus my energy in other niches - preferably building modestly in good neighborhoods *if* the numbers pencil.

If so that's another plus.If you want to be a landlord and avoid risk, you'll fail, people get injured, sick, die, divorced and even tossed in prison, so just because they can jump through all the hoops today with shinning ratios doesn't mean smooth sailing, OTH, these things may not happen, you just never know.

It was nice when we had a PM because he'd essentially tell us what needed to be done, connect us with the right person to do the job, and generally it'd go smoothly from there.