I have a few brokers I can be introduced to but I'm curious as to how people maintain their relations and constantly show that they are serious players in this business?

I'm actually an advocate for raising dues a little every year as it allows the HOA to maintain the property in an attractive manner to bring in excellent tenants.  

concentration, mental awareness and a survival instinct are very much in order. 

Read about them here: http://www.newair.com/articles/oil-filled-heaters/------HEATING, COOLING, AND VENTILATION SYSTEMS.Landlord agrees to maintain heating, cooling and ventilation systems on premises that are provided by Landlord.Tenant agrees to notify Landlord in a timely manner, and in writing, of any problems that arise with these systems.Tenant agrees to keep heating and cooling systems in good working order and to take safety precautions in accordance with their use, following manufacturer and fire department recommendations.a.Natural Gas furnace system:Tenant will not store items in the furnace closet, except for replacement filters.Tenant will allow Landlord to replace furnace filters when Landlord determines it necessary.Tenant agrees not to block air ducts (warm air output and cold air return) and to pay for any damage to the heating system caused by failure to do so.b.Electric baseboard and wall fan heaters:Tenant agrees not to block the heaters, to keep all flammable materials at least one foot from the heating device and to maintain ample air flow around heater.

its difficult to finance and maintain compliance with state law regarding use of deposits, etc.

But otherwise you've done what you're supposed to and now the tenant is impeding your ability to fix the issue and maintain the property, and they're now also breaking lease.

I always wait to sign until everything else is cared for to maintain final control of the contract. 

Avoid remotes as these are one more thing to maintain and will get stolen. 

Mostly concentrating on multi-family large apartments complexes.I think it makes much more sense to invest in TX rather than CA.If it works for you I host a meetup in Los Gatos, it is mostly dedicated to different topics on buying, holding and operating apartment complexes.Feel free to check it:meetup.com/Los-Gatos-Real-Estate-Networking-Meetup/

I feel like I have heard the government maintains an Excel file, freely available somewhere.