you are paying taxes and insurance one way or the other …….as strictly a convenience and also a decent way to  budget for these items - I would recommend  an impound account  …..also most lenders  will charge a .25% fee  to waive impounds

I put business cards and flyers on the bulletin boards of local restaurants and convenience stores.

The East Hills mall is being renovated into a higher scale mall, which if you see it now, you will be surprised at the current condition of the property.  

So it's best to control the situation than be surprised

On the second home I used a credit card convenience check.

It was awful.Went to Costco and purchased lots and lots of white vinegar and poured it on the rugs all over this got the carpet pad also, let it sit over night and came in with a rented rug doctor and was surprised,   No stains  No Order carpets looked new again 

Don't be surprised if your offer isn't accepted because of a walk through contingency.

What can I do to prevent my self from unforeseen surprises?

I listened to it as an audiobook for convenience.

A HELOC is nice, convenient, and flexible.