As far as fine tuning your maintenance, CapEx, and vacancy, that should be as easy as customizing your chart of accounts to organize those accounts so you can see exactly how much you are spending in each category per property or however you want to account for it. 

Hi Taylor,Free work in return for lowered rent might not be such a good idea.It would be Smart to go in person and see examples of the person's previous work (of the same kind you want done).I've seen (for example) gypsum board punched holes replaced that were  -->99.999% Invisible<-- and on the other hand, tub work by the same individual that was "childish" at best.I've had other instances of Handymen describing their work in various glowing terms, and according themselves with various (made up) glowing titles (master this, and certain grade experts)--claiming unbelievable past projects--who were no-shows or no-finishers.It's best to understand what the repair needs yourself, such as "Blue Board" or "Purple Board" and sealant XYZ vs just relying on statements such as I have done these for years--yes that may be true, but at what quality (if quality counts to you--it may not).You also may want to spec that you want the area left Broom Clean when the work is done, and make sure to provide a dumpster if there will be large demo taking place.Good Luck!

With the quitclaim deed, you would also have color of title -which can be helpful in paying the property taxes and for claiming adverse possession or for later quieting title.

That is not to say none of their customers/tenants care about sustainability, but it is much harder to sell the value proposition in those situations.

I always respond to repair requests quickly and treat my tenants like paying customers.

Another big one is the ATMs of smaller banks sometimes would not have deposit capability or they claim you can deposit your checks at any ATM in their co-op network.

If they insist on paying the invoice, pay it for her and then take them to small claims court. 

I am currently taking the pre-licensing course with The CE Shop and am planning to work as a real estate agent, as I am a people person and like the work model of agents (dealing with customers, excelling in sales, providing exceptional service, etc.) 

Have you filed a claim yet?

We've got a situation in Lakewood WA where we have squatters who claim to have an agreement with the past tenant.