The demand is strong, especially from drive-to vacationers, and investors are able to cash flow with the right property and setup.

If you find one, you can add the cost into rent or collect it as a flat monthly fee.Create a small, secure trash area - A fenced or enclosed spot near the top of the driveway can make things easier for tenants or haulers to manage.Consider small incentives for upkeep - I’ve seen owners give a small annual rent credit or gift card for tenants who consistently keep the exterior clean and manage trash properly.

The best move depends on whether you want to keep your current home as a rental or cash out and reset clean with the next one.If you want to keep it, a cash-out refinance usually makes the most sense.

Their plan is to sell in 3-5-7 years and capture the gains so they can cash in.

The extra cash flow that results when you don't have to pay taxes can be used to upgrade the property or purchase additional properties.

Leaving the cash locked in a not-paid-off property means it can be difficult later to do big renovations and it obviously does impact cash flow. 

Balancing maintenance, upgrades, and cash flow can be tricky.What strategies or financial tools are you using to handle big repairs while keeping your properties profitable?

The good ones notice right away and feel safer.Community touchpoints: Simple BBQs, pizza nights, or coffee mornings help residents connect and shift the culture fast.Reputation boost: Ask your good tenants for updated reviews—offer small gift cards as a thank you.

One thing on the tax side is you would need to file a gift tax return if the transfer from your interests to your children exceed the annual limit.i would probably first focus acquiring great properties in great areas and then do the strategic planning that's required. 

Basic answer, but to increase cash flow you have to increase income or reduce expenses.