Top 5 items that landlords waste money adding?

[Joe Zinger]

What do landlords spend money on for rental SFR that end up being a waste of money? Seasoned investors have probably learned these items over time that new investors could benefit from. Windows , Blinds, Upgraded Appliances, Landscaping. As a new investor it feels hard not to treat your units like you are going to live in them. What are some of the items that should be avoided because they don’t increase rent revenue or rent ability?

[Mark Radford]

Depends on who you rent to. There are newly licensed physician couples that want a house close to the hospital, in a good neighborhood, with nice amenities, and can afford say, 3k in rent who'd appreciate nice kitchens, baths and yards. They have high incomes but a lot of debt. Maybe they don't want to add a mortgage to that right away. Perhaps they're in transition and plan on moving in a few years to permanently settle in another city. Tenants fresh out of college or grad school with a $800 rent budget are a different customer and I'd adjust accordingly. Regardless I like to harden the property enough for NO PHONE CALLS.