You need to have it fully stocked so people can cook while they are there and I tell you it is very important.You need to setup regular services for the hard systems like furnace, AC etc to keep them in top condition.

It’s awesome to see your enthusiasm for long-distance investing and buy-and-hold rentals—it’s a smart strategy that can work well with the right systems in place.

If I am losing money on LMHA as a landlord then there should be 10x that number of good people losing their vouchers because they cannot stay in good standing with the excess failures the system has at present. 

You think through the major systems in the house (roof, exterior or tuck pointing, hvac, plumbing, electrical, unit turns, common areas) and if they are all new you should be good for a few years (5-10). 

CRM - A well managed CRM system can transcend your business to newer heights that you didn't know were possible.

I'd like to keep things relatively close as we get started, perhaps grow out once I get my processes and systems nailed down.

We currently manage 4 medium term rental and have some systems in place. 

By no means am I an expert but I tend to be very organized and our systems have worked well for us.  

Could be a new roof, HVAC system, or new kitchen along the way (all of which could certainly add equity to the home irrespective of the year it was built).  

There is so much to learn with strategy, tax advantages, cashflow, and systems.