You want to make sure they remember you but you also don't want to spam them. 5-7 touches is usually a good amount of follow ups. 

@Ellis Thurman Jr When you pay your mortgage, you are ,usually, BUILDING equity, but equity is the difference between the property's value, and the mortgage balance.

So, once you tap it out, you will be limited to borrow more if you need extra cash.

If so, your comps are going to be extra challenging especially now as most markets are starting to shift away from the current "low inventory/high demand" pattern that has been prevalent lately.   

Sometimes when it looks too good to be true it usually is.

Usually another 10 percent in selling costs.

I always add at least one extra month in my budget. 

Usually the basics for good curb appeal and return would be:Green grass (no weeds or big empty patches), have the trees and bushes pruned.Use low lying flowers/shrubs at front of house so there's some color and character.. but you're not blocking up the view of front of the homeKeeping things generally 'manicured' is the better way to go. 

When investing remotely you are taking on a little extra risk but you are also paying extra in fees for someone to do the extra small things that you would be able to do if you were local, i.e. walk through a property and analyze the area, review construction to make sure it is being done and to your standards.

Usually, they will have a CoC return goal and a IRR (internal rate of return goal).