As investors, appreciation is icing on the cake.  

Fridges are just another maintenance issue and I would get cheap ones without ice and water in the door so I think most tenants would prefer to bring their own nicer one.

Today I basically helped neighbors to finish theirs.I have beers, I have ice, I have potato chips and ramen noodles just in case.Can't believe it's been so long since Wilma. 

Remember, you are going to be the one most at risk here because you are putting your cash into something he owns and without a contract, you are on thin ice if things fall apart.I'm a little concerned about the comment that the hard money loan did not work out.  

I also want them to be safe from slipping on ice, yet have to keep calling to get plowing contractors to do what I'm paying them to do! 

As for the removal of snow and ice, the Code provides that the landlord shall maintain all means of egress at all times in a safe, operable condition and shall keep all exterior stairways, fire escapes, egress balconies and bridges free of snow and ice.

Unwatched Toddlers, kids or very tall dogs with  French door water /ice maker on the outside (or sloppy adults period) are the only reason you need to never  go with that style.  

That being said, if I can buy property with good cash flow, appreciation becomes the icing on the cake.Back to my orginal question, I am investing in this area because I think there is potential for future appreciation. 

Personally, I think stainless steel is so overdone.and there are so many SS laminating services out there that comes put a thin layer of SS over your appliances to make them stainless steel, some of them look funny after the application.I am tired of it.The new in thing is "White Ice".

The part that many independent/smaller landlords struggle with.I like the communication ice, that is big.