Still waiting to hear back from him, but his work will include: repairing a few sections of roof, reshingling one side of the mansard roof, metal capping all window trim, replacing a few broken window sashes, getting screens made for all windows, routing gutters to the appropriate drains.Progress has been slow because I only get a few hours in a few days per week after my school day.

Yeah, get bad tenants out and properly screen new ones!

Preventive Tips:     - Install drain screens to catch debris

If you are investing in the high cash flow part of town, your property management team and tenant screening procedures will make or break you. 

I guess with proper screening, it really shouldn't matter that you can get good tenants. 

When screening applicants I make it clear that regardless of the excuse I do not tolerate late payments.

I have one employee that does nothing but online marketing, answering phone calls, and screening applications, all of which can be done from home and I may just keep here there because it's convenient for her and frees up some space in the office. 

Reading everything i can get my screen on.   

I'm also amazed at how many sellers would rather cancel the contract than pay for repairs they feel are unnecessary or feel have already been negotiated in price level, even minor ones, so it's just more efficient to keep it active until inspections are over.

Demanding to “see” the signed deed in advance is a bit over the top, unnecessary and likely undoable....don’t sweat it.