Be careful to read about broker and other fees, or you may end up spending more than you expected.

The same economies of scale would could apply to submerging utilities and other cost cutting areas. 

Be careful renting out a basement.  

2) Will the tenants be responsible for lawn care, will you be managing that, or will that be hired out?

I am looking for recommendations on a lawn care company to service the rental properties as well as a handyman to call for repairs/maintenance issues.

Cut your losses, and learn from this experience.

It will certainly cost more than if you were managing yourself and trying to get individual contractors/handymen to take care of issues, but such a company will already have those people on staff and enough jobs to keep them available for when something comes up at your property.

My neighbor at a house I recently sold wanted me to cut down a tree that he felt was a danger to his property, conveniently after I called the cops on him for repeatedly parking in my driveway and refusing to move his vehicles... 

Her performance could only be due to 1 of 2 things: she either didn't care, or she was not competent. 

Aside from that, you're assuming risk unless you have an attorney you've consulted and have a contract that offers you adequate protection.In your situation, I'd be sure to vet the buyer very carefully- confirm everything with his lender...using FHA requires jumping through a lot of hoops...you want to make sure the buyer is qualified before tying up your property for 45-days and he can't perform...If you are comfortable with everything, just execute the contract and send it to your title company to start the title search- along with any earnest money (if there is any).