What does your perfect, low maintenance rental home look like?

[David S.]

My wife and I do a hybrid of flipping and long term rentals on single fam homes. I‘ve come to realize that some homes make better flips and some better rentals based on their floor plan, build, and the age of major items/systems. 

My question specifically: In your eyes, what are you looking for in a house that makes it a great, low maintenance rental? 

At this point I’m looking for ranch style homes with good roofs (none flat), furnace/AC mid life or better, brick exterior is a bonus, double pane windows, younger than 1950’s. If it’s a two story, that’s OK, but preferably no bathrooms on the second floor, certainly no tubs or showers up there. I also try to stay away from finished basements for the risk of water damage and mold in my climate. 

What are your criteria? Have these criteria saved you a lot of money over time?