We use smart locks, auto messaging, all the normal stuff, the little things I am running into issues with automating are things like having the trash taken to the road on trash day, restocking expendable items, installing a smart thermostat to a system that’s not compatible, paying my lawn guy that only takes cash (need a new one I guess).

In addition to the above, we also stagger contractors... so if the lawn guy is going to be there one day, we make sure the painter is another.  

They start with nicer(er) trailers, green lawns, beautiful trees, and everything portrayed in your pretty pictures.

Consistency with lawn care and watering maintenance, andUnder-slab plumbing leaks.

They've had to call the cops on them for loudness at 2AM,  a man urinated in their front lawn (townhouse with child in home) smoking Pot inside unit (lease says no smoking), lots more. 

Now he’s garbage. 30 days late on both projects, a month late on the roof installation, I got fined by the city for the lawn getting out of control after he sent me photos saying he fixed it but left out he only had the front of the lawn fixed, and not the back.

You haven't experienced an abandoned unit, disastrous turnover, tenant that stops paying but refuses to leave, on-going noise complaints, a tenant that refuses to mow the lawn, unauthorized renters or animals, complaints from neighbors that your tenant is dealing drugs or prostituting themselves on the property, a tenant's dog biting the neighbor kid, or 1,742 other situations involved with managing for others.If you're going to be serious, you need 50-100 rentals to make a decent living and you need to really know what you're doing.

Think of all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

The artificial pressure will mount otherwise!

The agent you choose should be an investor themselves because they are going to have the rolodex of plumbers, cleaners, lawn care, etc. that are reputable and low cost.