Some older established high end communities have boilers for example, ultimatley the transition is to to forced air however in some cases you may want tor retain the boiler system as it is a "lifestyle choice" in that area (this is merely one example).

Two choices:1) Give them email notice you will be inspecting on Tuesday, and on Friday (examples).  

You're likely not going to convince anyone to quit or take on a new career path of your choice.

Your choices depend on whether its above or below grade.  

London is still #1 choice.

The closer to broad ripple the more renters there probably are but also the more maintenance you'll have to do between renters due to their likely age range and lifestyle choices.

While you may occasionally find a residential agent asleep at the wheel, letting you tie up a SFR, commercial agents are much more tuned in to having real buyers, legit POF's, etc.

All your prices depend on material choices, sqft, where your services are brought from etc so its difficult to estimate from pictures alone. 

Mint.com is the best choice in my opinion.

@Zach AdamsI have always maintained that the best choice for out of state owners is a class A property in a desirable area.