This prompted us to install an alarm system.  

These are commonly referred to as C classOrder a third-party property inspectionMake sure the property has been rehabbed to turnkey quality that will maximize your cash flow (roof and HVAC updated, ceramic tile it kitchen and bath, vinyl plank hardwood in high traffics areas, durable carpet installed in bedrooms, external fences and buildings addressed during the rehab, supply hoses replaced under the sinks, etc) otherwise your cash flow will go to maintenanceBe skeptical of the one-year tenant warranty, that just means the turnkey provider is making a abnormally large profit who uses gimmick marketing to secure investorsVerify rent range through other property managers, Craig's list and ZillowAsk if permits were pulled during the rehabIf a tenant is in place, ask to see the tenant fileRemember, you can fix the house, you can fix the tenant, you can fix the property manager, but you can't fix the area.  

I'd turn on the utilities in my name and have a phone line installed into the house.

Cyprus Creek Renewables has approached my mother about building a solar farm on her 67 acres of farmground.  

The garage door has been removed and a sliding glass door appears to have been nicely installed in it's stead.Thanks so much for your advice!

I am able to do most all of the refurb myself minus the roofing install.

You might say it is ok to install a  fixed safety gate on their stairs if they would like to do so. 

Some of the things we are considering installing as soon as we close and with every additional property: * Security cameras.

First, you might need to get a permit to to a sewer line install, most municipalities make you do that.

Anywhere from putting up drywall to installing new countertops and remodeling bathrooms.