Seems to make people realize the value they have.Have also seen many roadside signs (the kind that a roofing company would put on your lawn) encouraging sellers to reach out via phone number/website - no realtors/fees involved. 

For example, I might offer lawn mowing during the summer if their spouse was gone at no extra charge or snow removal in the winter.

(homes with overgrown lawns and weeds, mailboxes filled up, etc.)

The vendors they use for maintenance and lawn care can be costly so you might want to look around and decide if you want to find your own. 

Could you tell us what your total rents are and also write down what $ or % you are using for capex, vacancy, maintenance, lawn care, etc etc?

They may want to be listed as an additional interest so they are notified if the owners policy cancels and then the PM is not exposed to managing a property without insurance which increases the PM's risk.This scenario is kind of like your landscaper asking you to buy insurance listing them in case there is an issue of liability while they are cutting your lawn, it doesn't happen.

But you have lawn care, tornadoes and thunderstorms, snow removal, painting, high property taxes, high insurance, state income tax, high turn over, old fixtures, structure, appliances, plumbing, electrical, roof, etc etc etc. 

The STR craze has artificially inflated prices in so many markets. 

He didnt want to "waste" money on management so he didnt hire one, didn't account for the cost of managing it himself nor did he account for vacancies OR maintenance AND was mowing the lawn for free to ensure it was done to his standard.

Find a snow removal and lawn care person - figure out their fee and make sure it is covered by kid's rent.