Visit the property regularly to pick up mail, newsletters, etc and walk the property. 

I deposit funds in other people's accounts regularly and I get a receipt of what I deposited but no account balance.if you're concerned about it, create an account for deposits and then transfer the funds into your operating account so the balance never gets very big. 

Also don't be surprised if the tree dies, depending on the size and nature of roots you removed.

Do I treat this as a regular type of rental investment?

Regularly doing your accounting, reviewing market rents & recently sold properties in your area, checking with your bank if there is anything they can do to lower the interest rate on a commercial loan or defer payments for a couple months if needed, reviewing your properties maintenance needs, etc.Being proactive & aware with your investments will in turn help protect them.

I thought this would be a good way to naturally make a move in that direction, but clearly did not do all my research.

Those funds will many times meet or exceed their regular income. 

Then paint it with an oil-based kilz primer, then regular paint.

This bad handyman is accidentally looking to get promoted to just a regular handyman.

By nature I am pretty conservative and hopefully I'm wrong here but will update my guesses once I know.