The current owner is part of the problem, and should not benefit from your efforts to make it a more valuable business.

When you put little effort into real estate - like having a realtor find your rentals, then you are going to have minimal results - like the deal above!

Well that's the secret.

@Richard C. sometimes you have to just see when your advice is not wanted, even if it is good and divert your efforts in another direction. 

I have asked him why he was so willing to help and share his secrets and he mentioned that he received so much help when he was getting started that he simply wanted to pay it forward and see someone else succeed.  

I like to see cut grass during the summer, raked leaves during the winter, and I especially like if they have taken the time and effort to plant shrubs, plants and flowers.

... and, what would be the effort to train your tenants to use it?

Asking if this is realistic, is hard for anyone to answer except you, because no one actually knows your drive and your willingness to put the effort forward to achieve the results you desire."

They keep their information secret and again, no appraisal is done which gives the true value of the home.

I find that the majority of real estate investments that make a lot of money take time and effort.