I do almost all of my maintenance and what I don't do I have long-term business partners handle according to my specifications -- lasting fixes when necessary, high-quality paint that can be touched up repeatedly, Whirlpool appliances, hardwood and tile I do myself.I am on the electrical board and the outlets, I am on the roof, I am inspecting the windows, I am on the gutters all the time, I am liberal with the weedkiller concentrate, saving myself money in the long run wherever I can.What happens when you're extended from here to eternity with 75 SFR and three furnaces die in the first heavy cold snap?

Will the tile in the shower and tubs fall off, etc...   

It is either vinyl, hardwood or tile.

While this seems like a huge advantage, typical residential construction consists of tile roofs, stucco siding, concrete block fences, metal doors and windows, slab foundations and desert landscaping (rock), which do not require much maintenance.

They would not let me evict because there had been a pattern established and accepted.

We usually handle our own renovations without a general contractor, but we have the time to be there when needed, have good relationships with electrician, HVAC, tile guy, etc. , and do much of the work ourselves, anyway.  

We would do the painting, tiling, cabinets, trim, granite, and hardware installing ourselves to save money.

Try to decide on something that will set the tone for the whole house, like the counter top or the flooring and then you will have far fewer colours and patterns to choose from to stay within budget.

I just purchased a 3 bedroom rental apartment and it has the little square tiles.

My price will differ from now, at the end of demolition, and later, when I have started to tile the bathroom or install cabinets in the kitchen.