Then you have the opportunity to put a tenant in the door to replace you and at that point you'd be profiting and on to your second property.Anyway...

We went through many trials and tribulations- undependable,mia contractors when rehabbing, layed off tenants, negotiating rent payment splits, having a drunk driver take out 2 units, and having to take over for a bad property manager, but in the end it was worth it.

I've door knocked the neighbors and sometimes get more info that I planned on.

He will still receive his commission.Might work on his/her ego a bit but could also open a door for a relationship.

For example, I will email them and wish them a Merry Christmas and offer to do something nice for the property like paint an accent wall, install a new microwave, tune up the furnace, paint the front door, etc.

What you can't prevent is a sober living house from opening up next door and driving your tenants away.

Walking in the front door is a great way to see if you want to go into business with them or not.   20 Questions To Ask Before You Hire A Property Manager  

There are other good uses of old structures for firefighter training that may not help you solve your problem but are difficult to simulate due to their destructive nature such as forcible entry (ie breaking down doors) and vertical ventilation (cutting holes in roofs) that you might mention when trying to sell your idea.  

Just the basic top stacked door model with the freezer above the fridge.

Unfortunately, for this company, they  installed a brand new aerobic system next door (vacant property).