Appliances for rentals

[Jacob Bindler]

I have 20 tenants in 7 buildings/condos in NYC area and am looking to streamline my appliance acquisition/purchase strategy. These things tend to break from time to time and I was wondering if people here have developed approaches to two things: 

• What is the best way/place to buy the appliances (HD, Costco, BestBuy...) were i can return/replace them with the least amount of hustle, and
•  Your approach to repairing vs replacing vs buying warranties.

 thanks a lot. 

[Linda Weygant]

I tend to buy my appliances from Restore, which should be national as they are a store associated with Habitat for Humanity.  Most folks who donate to Restore are remodeling a house and the appliances work just fine.  They are all tested before they are put out on the floor.  I have 10 properties and so far I have purchased 7 dishwashers from them and so far, only 1 has failed.  I've purchased 6 stoves and they're all still kicking, 4 fridges that are all doing great, 4 washers and 5 dryers, all with no problems.  

They don't always have the color you want - I spent weeks looking for a stainless dishwasher - but for an inexpensive solution at reasonable prices, they really can't be beat, plus you're helping a non-profit charity as well.

I find Sears Outlet to be overpriced and Home Depot/Lowes is right out, unless they are having a super, mega, ultra holiday weekend sale.