Both with small new investors and big players.  

Yes, the good ones make it look easy...Thankfully, I have always been constantly learning and improving my skills so I can prevent problems for my clients. 

Did you inspect the property regularly to prevent things from getting out of hand?

This step prevents us from wasting money on inspections if the seller is not willing to adjust the price.

How can I prevent them from listing the home? 

As a hard money lender who works with many investors in the Portland area, I can share some insights on maintenance costs for multifamily properties in this market, though individual experiences may vary:Lots of investors report a slight decrease in maintenance costs during winter months, bc of:- Fewer landscaping needs - Less wear and tear on HVAC systems (as heating is generally less intensive than summer cooling)- Reduced tenant turnover in winterWinter-specific issues can arise:- Potential roof repairs due to heavy rain or occasional snow- Gutter cleaning and maintenance to prevent water damage- Heating system repairs or maintenancePortland-specific factors:- The mild climate helps reduce extreme weather-related maintenance issues. - Older housing stock in some areas may require more upkeep. - Strict local regulations can also sometimes increase compliance-related maintenance costsCost-saving strategies I've seen help:- Preventative maintenance programs can help reduce overall costs obviously - Some investors report success with in-house maintenance teams for larger portfolios- Energy-efficient upgrades can help reduce utility costs in the long runYour specific costs will depend on factors like the age and condition of your properties, your management style, and the specific neighborhoods you're invested in, but hope this helps!

Over the course of time I have grown to appreciate players like Chris Seveney and some others, but it took me time.

Appfolio, Rentvine, Buildium are the 3 big players in the market.

The damage to the sheet rock in the basement wasn't bad, and I set up a bunch of fans and ventilation in order to prevent mold from growing.I went to check on the first floor apartment to see if there was any damage and luckily there wasn't.

, most of those nations have much heavier governmental intervention in the real estate market, more onerous regulations and bureaucrats who (ostensibly) prevent problems on either side of the equation.