What you really want is to make sure that they are properly sloping to allow the water to run towards the downspouts and not puddle.You could also add something about making sure there are no leaks in gutters, birds nests and to trim any hedges/foliage to be at least 1-2 feet away from the house and foundation so you don't get roots growing near the foundation. 

Screening is essential; if a tenant seems too good to be true they won't stay long, we have the best luck with people who already have roots in that neighborhood.  

I guess my question is rooted in fear of the flat roof.

Tenant agrees to pay for cleaning the drains, including toilet drains and pipes, of any and all stoppages, except incidents created by roots or structural defects.

It was disheartening for sure, but when times get tough, I go back to my roots.

These homes can appear quite lovely because of their old-world charm, but when you start rooting around in the bones, you discover $5000 plumbing issues beneath those gorgeous wood floors, etc.4.

Only had to come up 24" and I also found my root cause, poor install of a window.  

I've been in the triangle area for about a year now and I'm ready to start planting some roots.

I'm naturally a curious person and a sponge for information, so do you suggest going into the root and basics of real estate instead of doing the Turnkey route? 

You can resurface it, tree roots will flex it but not crack it (unless it's at the surface), you can repair it and recoat it.